On 1 December 2010, Australia moved from the PROTECT phase to the ALERT phase of its pandemic plan.  

ALERT is the phase between pandemics (disease activity at seasonal levels). The key element of the ALERT phase is heightened vigilance for a new influenza virus or an antigenic change in a current circulating influenza virus, which may be of concern.

The Department of Health & Ageing through its Chief Medical Officer Jim Bishop, and with advice from the Australian Health Protection Committee, moved to the ALERT phase, which means that it is now focussing on routine surveillance for influenza, which includes medical practitioner and laboratory notification of laboratory confirmed cases as well as sentinel surveillance from general practice (Metropolitan, Regional and the Melbourne Medical Deputising Service), hospitals and Intensive Care Units. It will continue to promote the uptake of the H1N1-specific vaccine (Panvax) – which will remain freely available until 31 December 2010 and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine.

Visit the Department of Health's website for the full report here