Influenza Program

Update

Letter to Pharmacies - December 10, 2009

The flu (influenza), one of the most easily transmitted infectious diseases, can be prevented with an annual flu shot. Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) provides the flu vaccine free of charge to individuals 6 months of age or older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario.


The Vaccine

Two influenza vaccine products are covered under the UIIP for 2009/2010. They are Vaxigrip ® (sanofi pasteur) and Fluviral ® (GSK). Both products are split-virus, inactivated influenza vaccines. Thimerosal-Free vaccines and single dose format vaccines are not available under UIIP.


Vaccine Availability

This year is a different influenza year in Ontario, requiring 3-phases to immunize against influenza.

Phase I – Limited Seasonal Influenza Immunization

Starting in October, seasonal influenza immunization will be offered to:

  • People 65+ living anywhere in Ontario
  • Residents of any age of long-term care homes

This first supply of vaccine was made available to facilities that care for, and/or immunize these high priority groups

Phase II – H1N1 Influenza Immunization

Expected to be available in November for whoever needs and wants it. Because the vaccine may not be available all at one time, a sequenced approach may be taken according to a National Guidance Document:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/vacc/vacc-eng.php

Local Public Health Units will receive the H1N1 vaccine and are responsible to lead and coordinate the H1N1 vaccine delivery strategy in their jurisdiction.

Phase III – Seasonal UIIP Catch-Up Program*

Expected to occur in December and January, after the H1N1 vaccine program has been rolled out. It will be available to everyone who is:

  • 6 months of age and over and who lives, works or attends school in Ontario, and
  • Anyone 65+ or living in a long-term care home who did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccine in the normal flu season.

* This is the phase where pharmacists can hold pharmacy-based immunization clinics.


Pharmacy Clinics

There is an opportunity for pharmacy to play a role in this year’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) by hosting influenza (flu) shot clinics during Phase III.
These clinics are an acceptable use of professional allowances.


Reimbursment Criteria for 2009/2010

In order for pharmacy-based clinics to be eligible for reimbursement by the MOHLTC, all of the following criteria must be met:

  • Clinics must be held within the physical boundaries of pharmacies
  • The vaccine must be administered by a health care agency that has been
    approved through the prequalification process for the current year
  • The clinic must be open to the public
  • The clinic must be widely advertised in the community
  • The publicly funded vaccine must be used
  • The influenza immunization must be provided free of charge
  • The MOHLTC must not be billed for these immunizations through another
    mechanism

Pharmacies will be reimbursed at $5.00 per dose.


Ordering the Vaccine

Health care agencies that have been approved to administer the vaccine by the MOHLTC will obtain the vaccine supply for your pharmacy clinic. Ensure the agency selected has pre-qualified with the MOHLTC for the current year by visiting the ministry's website.


Reporting for Reimbursement

The Pharmacy Based “Vaccine Utilization Report - Pharmacy Based Clinics” form must be fully completed and submitted not more than 10 days after the clinic is held at your pharmacy. All eligible claims must be received by the MOHLTC by February 28, 2010.


Forms and Documentation

Program Information for the 2009-2010 Season includes the following MOHLTC materials can be found electronically at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/pubhealth/flu/flu_09/flubul_mn.html

Once you have registered your clinic, you will be able to access and view all documents.

Username: pharm
Password: vaccine2

A letter to Pharmacists (Dec. 2009)


Clinical and Patient Information

Program Information for the 2009-2010 Season, fact sheets, and all other influenza related resources can be accessed at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/pubhealth/flu/flu_09/flubul_mn.html


Questions

MOHLTC: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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