Health Care Providers, Clinicians, EMS

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Current Messages to Health Care Providers

Influenza A(H3N2)

Maine CDC investigated two cases of influenza A(H3N2)v in October. For more information about this investigation, see the Health Alert issued October 19, 2011: Word* | PDF*

For current guidance and information from US CDC:

Testing, Reporting and Management

  • Clinicians should consider influenza in the differential diagnosis of febrile respiratory illnesses in patients of any age, encourage their high risk patients to be immunized against influenza if they have not already done so, and review updated recommendations of the use of antiviral medications for influenza prophylaxis and treatment.
    • Oseltamivir and zanamivir are the two drugs currently recommended for treatment and prophylaxis.  Providers will be notified through the health alert network if national recommendations for treatment and prophylaxis are revised.
  • Diagnostic labs should forward the first positive rapid influenza test specimens to HETL for confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR).  Testing through HETL is free of charge.  Instructions on submitting specimens for flu testing can be found at:  http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/health-and-environmental-testing/micro/submitting_samples.htm
  • Infection preventionists, clinicians, school nurses and other reporting entities must report all suspected outbreaks of influenza to Maine CDC by phone at 1-800-821-5821 or by e- mail at disease.reporting@maine.gov.  

Now that we know influenza is officially in Maine, it is important that we make every effort to try to limit its spread.  The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated.  Influenza vaccine is in Maine, and Maine CDC and national authorities recommend all individuals older than 6 months be immunized, even if they were vaccinated for influenza last season.  All individuals with high risk conditions should be vaccinated as soon as possible. 

As we enter the influenza season, it is important to remember the "No Flu 4 You" guidelines to help prevent illness including: Washing your hands; covering your cough; staying home when you're sick; and getting vaccinated.

For up-to-date information/recommendations on influenza for health professionals, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/

Vaccination

Maine CDC recommends that Health Care Providers continue vaccinating to protect against influenza this year according to the following guidelines:

Health Care Providers should use state-supplied vaccine for patients in the following circumstances:

  • The patient is a child ages 6 months through 18 years;
  • The patient is pregnant or the partner of a pregnant patient;
  • The patient's insurance does not cover vaccinations;
  • The patient is uninsured.

Health Care Providers may use state-supplied vaccine for other patients only if:

  • The Health Care Provider has already vaccinated all eligible patients listed above and has excess state-supplied vaccine; and
  • Privately purchased vaccine is not available.

Please remember that providers may not charge for state-supplied vaccine. It is reasonable and allowable to charge an administration fee for administration of state-supplied vaccine in some circumstances, provided that:

  • MaineCare-eligible children are not charged an out of pocket administration fee;
  • administration fees do not exceed the regional Medicare maximum ($14.37/vaccine administration); and
  • no one is denied vaccine because of their inability to pay an administration fee.

If you find that you are in need of additional vaccine please contact the Maine Immunization Program, at 207-287-3746 or 1-800-867-4775, we will do our best to help assist in accommodating your need.  

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