Pandemic H1N1 Influenza among CSC Inmates 2009 – 2010:
Summary of Vaccination Campaign, Cases, and Outbreaks

June 2011

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IV: Discussion

Over 8000 inmates were vaccinated for pandemic H1N1 influenza in a short timeframe.
Cases and outbreaks were effectively addressed and controlled by CSC staff in collaboration with external partners.
New tools, including a clinical guidance document, health promotion materials, infection prevention and control guidelines and a surveillance system were developed and implemented.
- Guidelines were updated regularly as information changed and daily reporting system allowed for real-time monitoring of the immunization rollout and influenza cases.
Multi-disciplinary approach was very important to ensure success: health group worked closely with security, human resources, operations and other sectors.

Vaccination Campaign:
- Applying the priority sequencing criteria in the federal correctional environment
  - Determining priority level in the absence of an electronic health record.
Delivering a consistent national inmate immunization program
- CSC operates within 8 different provincial jurisdictions.
- Varying interpretations of PHAC’s National Sequencing Guidance by the provinces.
- Vaccine supplies and provision of vaccine to institutions varied from province to province.
Cases / outbreaks:
- Access to testing was limited in some regions
- Resource pressures (i.e. nurses focused on H1N1, not able to keep up with other duties such as tuberculosis testing)
Crosscutting challenges:
- Coordination of response efforts with multiple players, within and outside the federal government
- Provision of timely, factual information to the field in an evolving situation, where the scientific information was still emerging
- Lack of clear, consistent advice from different levels of government and health care organizations