The Niagara Region Public Health Department is pleased to release the Niagara Region Influenza Pandemic Plan, Version 1. This plan sets out a comprehensive region-wide approach for pandemic preparedness and emergency response planning, and provides thorough information to guide local pandemic planning activities.
This plan has been prepared by representatives from Public Health, the health care sector, emergency response providers, school boards, and numerous other community stakeholders over the past year. Working relationships among stakeholders has been strengthened and will aid in future planning and response to other emergencies and health related issues. In addition, this document is based on current federal and provincial pandemic plans.
You will notice redundancy within the document, for example infection control practices, as we aimed to create a holistic plan, with stand-alone chapters. This document aims to be a springboard to stimulate dialogue and assist planning efforts among colleagues, stakeholders, and our broader community, as growing involvement in pandemic preparedness develops.
This is a living document and will be updated as necessary to reflect current best practices and changes to federal and provincial pandemic plans.
On behalf of myself, Dr. Sider, Dr. Feller, and the Pandemic Planning Team, I welcome any recommendations to the strengthening of this document. In terms of next steps, we are committed to further developing this document, to allow for a robust, comprehensive, and operational plan.
Inquiries related to this document can be directed to 905-688-8248, ext. 7765 or via the general feedback link, available below.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robin C. Williams, MD, DPH, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health
Niagara Region Public Health Department
The following provides an overview of the structure and content of this planning document. -
Niagara Region Influenza Pandemic Plan, Version 1 (3mb full plan)
• Executive Summary • Acronyms
This is the first official pandemic influenza plan for the Niagara Region. It has been written by a steering committee consisting of six sub-committees: Health Services, Antivirals and Vaccine, Public Health Measures, Surveillance, Communications, and Emergency Services.
Introduction – Chapter 1
This chapter reviews the legislative authority necessary during an influenza pandemic, the aim of emergency management, and the necessary response. It reviews the planning assumptions, pandemic emergency management linkages, and the Incident Management System (IMS) structure.
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Planning Approach – Chapter 2
This chapter outlines the goals and planning objectives of the steering committee and the six sub-committees. In addition, the chapter reviews the ethical and legal/legislative framework which will guide the emergency response during an influenza pandemic. Key legislation is summarized and links are provided to the full documents.
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Pandemic Influenza – General Information – Chapter 3
This chapter provides general information on the influenza virus and an influenza pandemic. It reviews Avian Influenza and why health care experts are concerned and its relationship to an influenza pandemic. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) alert phases are reviewed in this section. Lastly, the potential health impact in Niagara is outlined.
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Surveillance – Chapter 4
This chapter reviews the importance of surveillance information in preparing for an influenza pandemic and outlines websites and other sources of global influenza activity. The surveillance activities are described for each phase of the pandemic.
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Antivirals and Vaccine – Chapter 5
This chapter outlines the position of the World Health Organization, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) on the monovalent influenza vaccine. It is agreed that the vaccine will be a powerful tool for reducing disease, death and societal disruption during an influenza pandemic. Priority groups are outlined, as per the Ontario MOHLTC, for use of both the antiviral drugs and vaccine. An estimate of the number of people in Niagara in these priority groups is provided, with a distribution plan. The mass vaccination plan, including roles and responsibilities within the clinics, is included.
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Public Health Measures – Chapter 6 (2mb)
This chapter includes public health measures that may be used to reduce the spread of the influenza virus. Public health measures include public education, case and contact management, community-based disease control strategies (i.e., social distancing, school closures and restriction/cancellation of large public gatherings), travel restrictions, and cross-border measures.
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Health Services – Chapter 7
This chapter outlines the needs of Niagara residents, in terms of hospital and community-based care. Optimal management of influenza in the Niagara Region will depend on 1) successfully supporting the efforts of community based health care workers, 2) effectively utilizing scarce manpower and equipment resources in hospital and long-term care facility settings and 3) strategically implementing alternative methods of health care delivery that are responsive, efficient and needs based. This chapter aims to facilitate the above by providing vision, education, leadership, communication tools, and limited staffing resources.
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Infection Control – Chapter 8
This chapter outlines the basic principles of infection control related to influenza, including preventive measures for the general public. In addition, infection control references for health care and community settings are provided.
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Communications – Chapter 9
This chapter outlines communication objectives, principles, and accountabilities for during a pandemic. Internal and external stakeholders are identified, with specific strategies outlined to communicate pandemic key messages/information in a transparent, accessible, and real-time manner.
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