Flu resources for health professionals

Important links and resources

Below are important links with guidance on flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines and immunisation. 

• ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2022 
• Aged care toolkit for COVID-19 outbreaks
• Aged care facility visitor restrictions
• Advice for COVID-19 vaccine providers

Learn more about immunisation

COVID@homeplus

Since being established in December 2021, COVID@home has provided care for thousands of Tasmanians who have tested positive to COVID-19.

COVID@home has been expanded as “COVID@homeplus” to care for vulnerable patients with other respiratory illnesses such as influenza or influenza like illness (ILI) and who meet other specific referral criteria.

For people with Influenza or ILI, the model of care for the expanded service will focus primarily on a shared care model with general practitioners in the community. Referral into COVID@homeplus is primarily via health care professionals. This information is documented on the Tasmanian Health Pathways website. A referral must be completed for a patient with influenza or ILI to be assessed and admitted into the program.

More information can be found at COVID@homeplus or on the Tasmanian Health Pathways website

Preparing for a flu outbreak in aged care

• Create a flu management plan.  
• Aim to have more than 90% of all staff receive the flu vaccine each year. 
• Record the flu vaccination status of all residents and staff each year.  
• Transfer a residents’ vaccination record with them if they move to another aged care facility. 
• Speak to your visiting GP about the use of antivirals in an outbreak.  
• Document this in your flu management plan. 
• Request standing orders or pre-order of antiviral medication. 
• Train your staff in the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Train your staff in all infection control practices. 
• Maintain enough supplies of PPE, cleaning materials and signs for visitors and residents.  
• Contact your pathology provider for a small supply of appropriate swabs for prompt testing. 
• Advise families about your infection control policies, isolation protocols and possible visitor restrictions. 
• Provide information to families about the benefits of flu vaccination. 

Download the steps to help in flu outbreak preparedness factsheet

What to do if there’s a flu outbreak in aged care

• Identifying a flu outbreak early is very important.  
• If you suspect a flu outbreak, start your response plan immediately. 
• Contact our Communicable Diseases Prevention Unit (CDPU) early for advice. 
• We can provide advice on managing and controlling outbreaks of flu and other diseases. 
• If you suspect it is coronavirus (COVID-19), call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.