Pandemic Influenza WorkgroupMinutes The Pandemic Flu workgroup last met on April 19 in Springfield and Oakbrook Terrace. As a result of discussions at this meeting, the group developed the three documents (see links below), which contain recommendations for prioritization of antivirals and vaccines and a definition of first responder and critical personnel. These recommendations were provided to Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, for his review and consideration prior to the May 2006 FluEx drill. Also as a result of the last meeting of this workgroup, Dr. Craig Conover from IDPH will be convening a subgroup to develop recommendations regarding PPE. Pat Finnegan of the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council presented to the group regarding treatment and prophylaxis of hospital staff and visitors. He mentioned that Chicago Department of Public Health has a plan in place that addresses this. Once the plan is available on the MCHC web site, we will forward the link to you for your review. The next meeting of this workgroup will be on May 19 from 9:30am-12:30pm. We will video conference between the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians in Oakbrook Terrace and the ED/EMS classroom at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. We will be in touch with more specific directions for the Springfield site before the meeting. Attachments: |