Information for First Responders
Antivirals and Vaccines
Resources are in place to stock enough antivirals to treat approximately 25% of Ontario’s population, as per the world standard, in fiscal 2007-08. In the event of a pandemic, this increase in antiviral stock will provide treatment to anyone who needs it.
The province will develop a policy on the use of the antiviral stock for prophylaxis use. This policy will be based upon a national policy (currently in development); as well as the ethical framework for decision making.
What you should know about Antivirals
What is prophylaxis?
Prophylaxis refers to taking antiviral medication in order to prevent illness. Scientists cannot be sure whether or not prophylaxis will actually work until the Influenza Pandemic strain is known, but it is expected to work.
Antivirals must be taken every day that protection is required (i.e., the first wave of a pandemic would last approximately eight weeks (8 weeks x 7 days x 1 pill/day).
The province will develop a policy on the use of the antiviral stock for prophylaxis use. This policy will be based upon a national policy (currently in development); as well as the ethical framework for decision making.
Does getting an annual flu shot protect me against Influenza Pandemic? If not, when will a vaccine be available to protect emergency responders and the public?
Getting a flu shot will not protect you from a pandemic flu virus, but it will protect you from getting ordinary flu, which could weaken your immune system or resistance to the Influenza Pandemic.
A vaccine for an influenza pandemic is not available at this time. This is because it is not known what the strain would be. All vaccines must be made specific to the genetic make-up of each individual strain of virus.
World experts agree that it will take four to six months to develop a vaccine once the particular virus causing the pandemic has been identified. This is expected to be in time to protect responders and the public from a “second wave”, which will occur several months after the first wave. Canada is one of the few countries that will be able to produce the vaccine within its own borders.
When first available, vaccine will be in short supply. Will First Responders be a priority recipient group?
Ontario has removed priority lists in the OHPIP. Ontario will, however, develop a provincial policy in accordance to a national policy (which is currently under development), as well as an ethical framework for decision-making regarding priority access to vaccine, recognizing :
- That all Ontarians will eventually get the vaccine;
- Some groups will prove to be more vulnerable than others; and
- The importance of keeping the infrastructure of the province going – including
First Responders.
Useful links to additional antiviral and vaccine information
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