HDMA Response to H1N1 Influenza A Virus

HDMA's primary, full-service healthcare distributors continue their response to the H1N1 influenza A virus public health situation. Distributors are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other government agencies and manufacturers to ensure that antiviral and other medical products are available to meet pharmacy, physician and hospital demand.

HDMA’s primary, full-service healthcare distributors have been critical participants in the U.S. healthcare supply channel delivering antiviral and other medical products necessary to support the national response since the onset of the H1N1 influenza A virus. Our members are engaged and responding to this public health situation as they have been in the past during natural disasters and other public health emergencies.

HDMA distributor members will continue to work with manufacturers and providers, as well as federal, state, and local public health officials, to ensure that medical products and supplies are available and accessible to meet provider demand. HDMA is a partner in Rx Response (www.rxresponse.org) , a public/private supply chain alliance and is actively sharing information and coordinating response with supply chain partners and public health officials.

Situation Update Information:

Google Launches Flu Shot Finder - Information from HealthcareITNews regarding Google's online map service designed to provide U.S. consumers with locations for receiving seasonal and H1N1 vaccines

H1N1 Influenza A Information - Information from the CDC about human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Government and Industry Resources:

HDMA H1N1 Influenza A Virus Q&A

Rx Response – Medicines to patients in times of emergency

ASTHO – Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

CMS Flu Fact Sheets: Information and resources for Medicare beneficiaries and those enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP.

Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza:

Department of Homeland Security preparedness guides for businesses planning for H1N1
For large businesses | For small businesses

State Pandemic Plans - list of state pandemic plans 

Guidelines:

General Flu Information – CDC’s one-stop shop for general information on influenza.

Preventing Influenza in the Workplace - Information and tools on preventing the flu, workplace specific guidelines and printable materials.  

Influenza Anti-Viral Medications - Information from the CDC on the use and effectiveness of anti-viral medications. 

Pandemic Flu - Information and updates to help prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak.

H1N1 Vaccine Information from the CDC:

Vaccine Distribution Q&A

General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety

General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Financing

H1N1 Vaccine Administration Billing Questions and Answers - Provides guidance about the circumstances under which providers may bill insurance or charge patients when federal funds for H1N1 vaccination are being used.

State/Jurisdiction Contact Information for Providers Interested in Providing H1N1 Vaccine

Antiviral Information

Important Information About Tamiflu Supply for Pediatric Patients from Roche - 12/2/09

Roche Announces Shipments of New Supplies of Children's Tamiflu(R) in the U.S. - 12/2/09

Important Prescribing Information for Tamiflu Suspension from Roche - 9/23/09

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs

Public Service Announcement and Safety Information:

FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Intravenous Antiviral Peramivir for 2009 H1N1 Influenza for Certain Patients, Settings - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Oct. 23, 21009, that, in response to a request from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the investigational antiviral drug peramivir intravenous (IV) in certain adult and pediatric patients with confirmed or suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza infection who are admitted to a hospital.

CDC public service announcement - provides information and guidance for recent fraudulent activity surrounding ads for flu remedies