Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan for the United States

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases Vol. 176; no. Supplement-1; pp. S4 - S7
• Main Authors: Patriarca, Peter A., Cox, Nancy J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL The University of Chicago Press 01-08-1997; University of Chicago Press; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Antivirals; Biological and medical sciences; Emergency preparedness; Epidemiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Infections; Influenza vaccines; Influenza Vaccines - immunology; Influenza, Human - epidemiology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Microbiology; Orthomyxoviridae; Pandemics; Preventive medicine; Public health; United States - epidemiology; Vaccination; Virology; United States; Epidemic; Human; Chemoprophylaxis; Respiratory disease; Infection; Prevention; Immunoprophylaxis; Health policy; Treatment; Viral disease; ENT disease; Influenza A; Public health
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1086/514174

In preparation for the next influenza pandemic, a comprehensive and action-oriented plan is presently under development that focuses on six major areas: (1) improvements in ongoing virologic and disease-based surveillance systems; (2) vaccination of high-priority target groups, and, given sufficient vaccine supplies, the entire US population; (3) liability programs for vaccine manufacturers and health care providers; (4) research to improve detection of new variants and to accelerate the availability of existing and novel vaccines and antiviral agents; (5) integrated, multicomponent communication systems for rapid information dissemination and exchange; and (6) emergency preparedness plans to provide for adequate medical care and maintenance of essential community services. The sudden and unpredictable emergence of pandemic influenza and its potential for causing severe health and social consequences dictate the need for close collaboration among a wide variety of organizations in both the public and private sectors.