PDF Ebook Influenza Pandemic Plan
Influenza viruses are unique in their ability to cause sudden, pervasive illness in all age groups on a global scale. Global influenza epidemics are referred to as “influenza pandemics.” Three such pandemics occurred in the 20th century, causing millions of deaths. Experts consider them to be an inevitable fact of nature.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has estimated that an influenza pandemic could result in as much as 1.5 million outpatient visits, 40,000 hospitalizations, and over 8,000 deaths in New Jersey.
In a pandemic, higher disease rates are likely to stress outpatient and inpatient care systems. This will be exacerbated by high rates of absenteeism among health care workers (HCWs) who are at increased risk of exposure and illness or who have to care for ill family members.
A pandemic will cause both widespread and sustained effects and is thus likely to stress the resources of every state. This broad resource strain will make it difficult to shift resources between states and reinforces the need for each state to develop a plan, requiring a substantial degree of self-reliance. Due to the broad impact of pandemic influenza, the role of intra- and interstate mutual aid agreements will not be central to the response.
Reluctance to travel to affected areas may impact the delivery of food supplies and other essential materials in some communities. In addition, the emotional effects of a pandemic are expected to be severe.
The time between pandemics provides an opportunity in which key components of public health infrastructure can be developed or strengthened.
This planning document has been designed to ensure that New Jersey is prepared to implement an effective response before an influenza pandemic arrives. The intent of the plan is to help minimize morbidity and mortality, and maintain the operations of essential community services in the event of a pandemic. The plan has been developed to complement the State Emergency Operations Plan. It includes the duties of NJDHSS and the actions that local health departments (LHDs) and Local Information Network and Communications System (LINCS) agencies need to take to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic. Local planning should include the involvement of community organizations and the public.
This plan was developed in close collaboration with partner organizations throughout the state and was reviewed by numerous individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors. It incorporates many lessons learned since 9/11, reflecting experiences of the anthrax attack, smallpox vaccination program, SARS, 2004-05 influenza vaccine shortage, and the April 2005 TOPOFF exercise. It is a “Work In Progress” that will be updated when new information and guidelines from the WHO or CDC are available.
Contents
Executive Summary
Acronyms/Definitions
Authorities and References
Primary Agency
Support Agencies
Introduction
- Purpose
Scope
Policies
Situation
- Disaster Condition
- Background
Impact on New Jersey
Planning Assumptions
Concept of Operation
- Command, Control and Management
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Surveillance
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Vaccine Delivery
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Antivirals
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Communications
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Mental Health
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Emergency Response
- Background
Activities by Pandemic Phase
Appendix
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PDF Ebook Influenza Pandemic Plan
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