CDC: Revised Seasonal, H1N1 Flu Guidance in the Pipeline

On Tuesday, the CDC issued proposed guidance that would update and replace the existing infection control guidance for seasonal and H1N1 flu, Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings.

The updated guidance focuses on a prevention strategy that could be applied across the entire spectrum of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, physicians' offices, urgent care centers and home health care. Special attention is being paid to vaccination and steps to minimize the potential for exposure to seasonal and H1N1 flu.

The agency is currently seeking public comment on the guidance. Written comments must be received on or before July 22, 2010. Click here to learn more.

2010 Flu Vaccine Will Protect Against H1N1

There's good news for those who loathe the flu and the needlesticks that go hand-in-hand with getting vaccinated: Next season's flu vaccine will also protect against H1N1, eliminating the need for two vaccines to cover both the seasonal flu and H1N1.

Every February, according to a CNN.com article, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee advises the FDA on which flu strains to include in the next season's flu shot or spray. The recommendations are made early on in the year so that manufacturers have plenty of time to make enough vaccine by September or October, when health officials recommend people start receiving flu shots. Right now, the only licensed method for making vaccines is to grow them inside eggs, which takes a long time.

The CDC's most recent estimates show that between 41 million and 84 people in the U.S. have been infected with H1N1 since April of 2009. H1N1 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in June.

CDC officials are cautioning that the flu season isn't yet over. Anyone who is worried about contracting the flu should consider getting the separate seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines that are currently available.

H1N1 Update: Millions of Vaccine Doses Will Expire on February 15

According to the CDC, millions of doses of the Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 vaccine will expire on February 15. All lots of the monovalent vaccine in pre-filled syringes that were not included in two previous recalls should be administered by February 15, 2010, regardless of the expiration date on their packages. These vaccines were originally set to expire between March and June of 2011.

The CDC reported that the expiration date has been changed to ensure that the vaccine meets potency standards. There are no safety concerns with the affected lots of the vaccine and people who received vaccines from the lots with shortened shelf lives do not need to take any action.

There are approximately 12 million doses of the vaccine in the affected lots. Sanofi Pasteur also sent letters this week to healthcare providers who received shipments of the affected lots to notify them of the earlier expiration date.

To learn more, click here.

OSHA: Yes, You Need Respirators

OSHA has issued a new compliance directive designed to minimize or eliminate high-risk exposures to H1N1. The directive very closely follows the CDC's guidance.

According to the directive's news release, "In response to complaints, OSHA inspectors will ensure that healthcare employees implement a hierarchy of controls, and encourage vaccination and other work practices recommended by the CDC."

The release continues, "Where respirators are required to be used, the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard must be followed, including worker training and fit testing."

OSHA is backing the CDC's recommendation that respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator be used by healthcare employees who are are in close contact (within six feet) of people who have suspected or confirmed H1N1.

If respirators are not commercially available in a given area, employers will be considered in compliance if they can demonstrate that a good faith effort has been made to acquire them. If inspectors determine that a facility has not technically violated an OSHA requirements, but could implement additional measures to better protect employees, they may provide a "hazard alert" letter that outlines suggested measures to further protect employees.

Do You REALLY Need N95 Respirators? YES!

The CDC wants healthcare providers to know that not just any mask is going to do if you find yourself face-to-face with H1N1. In fact, they recommend that "all healthcare personnel who enter the rooms of residents in isolation with confirmed, suspected or probable novel H1N1 influenza should wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or better." In addition, Flu.gov, which is maintained by the Department of Health & Human Services, is advising personnel that N95 respirators should be removed and appropriately discarded once they've been worn in the presence of a resident with pandemic flu.