International SOS, which helps companies assess the safety and heath risks of their travelling employees, has upgraded its Pandemic Information Service in time for the peak flu season. The new features include a scoring system designed to give companies an at-a-glance access on the impact of the H1N1 virus country to country, vaccination availability and border screening information.
"With H1N1 an ever present threat and with new cases reported globally, companies are seeking comprehensive information in realtime," said Dr Robert Allen, regional medical director for Asia at International SOS. "This will enable them to update their pandemic plans and help reduce employee absenteeism, keep their workforce safe and healthy to ensure their business continuity."
Medical doctors at International SOS upgraded the service by developing a H1N1 Impact Scoring System that details the effects of the pandemic at both local and national levels. Based on four criteria – geographical spread, flu activity, strain on medical services and business services – the resulting scores help decision makers plan relevant pandemic planning interventions more effectively. Furthermore, taking note of a recent in-house survey that multinational companies do not keep stockpiles of antivirals, the enhanced service allows companies the ability to check where, when and how the H1N1 vaccination is available in more than 40 countries.
The Pandemic Information Service is a web-based product that keeps a central repository of information from over 40 countries on H1N1 developments, including border screening, quarantine and isolation procedures. Human resources managers can access this service and incorporates its advice to their risk management programmes that may impact a company's international business travellers and global workforce.
Approximately 400 companies are using this service worldwide on an annual subscription basis. It forms part of International SOS' suite of services which includes the TravelTracker, medical assistance and security services.
For more information about the Pandemic Information Service, visit www.internationalsos.com
Gigi Onag
Be up-to-date
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below