Strategies of Stockpiling and Use of Influenza Antivirals in Taiwan

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20161122.32(22).001

Mei-Ling Lin^1＊, Li-Cing Syu¹, Shu-Mei Chou¹, Yi-Chien Chih¹, Chin-Hui Yang², Chang-Syun Chen¹

2016 Vol.32 NO.22

Correspondence Author： Mei-Ling Lin^1＊

Abstract：

In accordance with a WHO recommendation to maintain a diverse stockpile of influenza antivirals in preparation for a pandemic, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has established a national stockpile of government-funded influenza antivirals. Following recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Influenza Control and Prevention, the stockpile is managed with the material management system (MIS) to supply antivirals to those who are at higher risks for influenza-related complications. In this article, we analyzed MIS data from four influenza seasons from 2010 to 2013. The data show that during each influenza season, 200–400 thousand patients, about 1%–2% of the Taiwan population, used government-funded influenza antivirals; the prescriptions were highly associated with influenza activity. Close contacts of patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and ILI patients with warning signs of severe influenza complications (including those who has fever for more than 48 hours) used 95.5% of the antivirals, whereas children under the age of 12 years used 32%. By using and procuring 1%–2% of the influenza antiviral stockpile during each influenza season, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control can effectively respond to seasonal influenza and use stockpiled drugs properly.