Guidance for care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

Indigenous Australians are known to have higher rates of underlying chronic disease, some of which may be undiagnosed, and are identified as a potential group with greater risk of severe outcomes from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.

8 July 2009: As part of the national pandemic response, Australia has developed an Appendix to the PROTECT Annexe; Guidance for primary health care workers providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (PDF 106KB).

The Appendix, developed in consultation with the Indigenous health sector, includes practical advice regarding management of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection as it affects vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It should be read by all primary health care providers who are likely to provide care to Indigenous Australians whether in remote, regional or urban environments.