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<br />H. Pandemic Influenza Vaccine <br /> <br />If a vaccine for the pandemic influenza virus strain is available, the Minnesota <br />Department of Health or Center for Disease Control (MDWCDC) will detennine <br />priority groups for vaccine and will inform the public on how the vaccine will be <br />used. It may take six months or more from the beginning of the pandemic to <br />develop and manufacture the vaccine. Employees should always be encouraged to <br />receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccine unless contraindicated for health <br />reasons. <br /> <br />L Antiviral Medications <br /> <br />Antiviral medications may play a role in the treatment and prevention of <br />pandemic influenza. Unlike a pandemic influenza vaccine, antiviral medications <br />are already available. However, the supply may be limited during a pandemic and <br />the medications may not prove to be an effective treatment or prevention tool for <br />pandemic influenza. If antivirals are available and thought to be useful, <br />MDWCDC will determine priorities and methods for dispersal. <br /> <br />J. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) <br /> <br />Employees whose work involves close contact with humans or animals known or <br />suspected to be infected with avian or pandemic influenza will be provided <br />appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The need for PPE by <br />employees whose regular duties do not involve probable contact with infected <br />humans or animals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. <br /> <br />K. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (BV AC) Systems <br /> <br />There is evidence that influenza can spread more easily in inadequately ventilated <br />indoor spaces. In order to assure adequate ventilation, HV AC systems will be <br />maintained regularly according to appropriate standards and building codes. <br />Filters will be cleaned or changed frequently. <br /> <br />L. Management of Dl Employees <br /> <br />The latest Minnesota Department of Health (MDll) recommendations should be <br />followed regarding management of employees who become ill at work and the <br />identification of workplace contacts (Attachment 4). <br /> <br />1. Employee Becomes ill at Work <br /> <br />Pandemic Influenza Continuity if Operations Plan <br /> <br />22. <br />