H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions
Antiviral Drugs
Are there antiviral drugs set aside for First Nations Communities?
Yes. First Nations populations are accounted for in Provincial anti-viral stockpiles on the same basis as they are provided to other British Columbians.
However, currently we are not in a pandemic.
Currently anti-viral drugs are available by physician prescription to confirmed H1N1 cases with severe disease, or cases with medical conditions which place them at risk for severe disease. Individuals with a prescription can access anti-virals from the commercial supply at a pharmacy.
Who will decide if or when they will be deployed?
Dr. Perry Kendall, the Provincial Health Officer for BC, will decide when community-wide deployments are necessary.
How will the antiviral drugs be distributed?
Regional Health Authorities have plans in place to distribute anti-viral stockpiles, should the need arise. In the case of a pandemic, Regional Health Authority Medical Health Officers will work closely with First Nations Inuit Health and First Nations communities on the management, distribution, and administration of antiviral drugs, using existing arrangements, for on-reserve First Nations communities. In many cases, First Nations have already determined where deployment stations are to be located (ie community nursing stations).
Who pays for antiviral drugs?
Individual prescriptions for antiviral drugs for First Nations clients are being considered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program on a case by case basis. They must meet the criteria for use of antivirals established by the PHAC. If you aren’t a status Indian, BC PharmaCare will cover the costs of antivirals from May to July, 2009 based on BC provincial guidelines.
Personal Protection Equipment
What is Personal Protection Equipment?
Personal Protection Equipment can include face masks, hand sanitizers and latex gloves.
Will Personal Protection Equipment be provided to our communities if it is needed? Who will provide it?
Protective masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) have been supplied to frontline health care workers.
Other infection control measures are encouraged and publicized, such as regular handwashing, coughing and sneezing into a disposable tissue or one’s sleeve, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick.
Vaccinations
Are vaccinations available?
No. A vaccination against Influenza A (H1N1) has not yet been developed.
Who should get vaccinated?
All First Nations will receive vaccinations on the same basis as do other provincial citizens when a vaccine becomes available.
School Closures
Who determines when school closures occur?
In BC, as of May 5, 2009, local school boards have the authority to affect schools closures in the event of a confirmed H1N1 case in a student or staff member who has been at the school within 7 days of their positive test. However, school boards are asked to work closely with health personnel like medical health officers and the Provincial Health Officer in this event.
Is it the same for First Nations Schools?
Yes, Independent School Authorities are asked to comply with the Ministerial Directive giving local school boards the authority to close schools.