The Implementation of Flu on Call: Overcoming Policy Barriers to CDC's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Effort

BACKGROUND:   Flu on Call™ is a CDC-led initiative developed in collaboration with its partners (including ASTHO, NACCHO, CSTE, and PHMC), to establish a national network of triage lines to serve the public in the event of a severe pandemic. The goals of Flu on Call™ are to: 1) improve access to antiviral medications for those who need this medication; 2) provide an alternative to face-to-face provider encounters; and 3) reduce the surge of medical facilities. Through partnerships with 2-1-1 centers and poison control centers (PCCs), during a severe pandemic, Flu on Call™ will operate as a toll-free telephone triage line that will be staffed to provide information or medical triage to callers. People who need information only will be guided to appropriate resources by 2-1-1 information specialists and people who are ill will be able to discuss care and treatment options with clinicians associated with poison control centers. If the caller’s symptoms meet certain criteria as determined by a protocol, the PCC clinician may be able to provide access to a prescription for antivirals by telephone. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

1) Describe how policy barriers and facilitators impact the planning, activation and implementation of Flu on Call™.

2) Discuss the feasibility and legal challenges with Flu on Call™.

METHODS: None RESULTS: None CONCLUSIONS: None