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IDSA recommends strengthening HHS pandemic influenza plan

Infection Control Monitor, October 29, 2004

Although supportive of the federal government's efforts to come up with a pandemic influenza plan, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) says the proposal could use some work.

IDSA has submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailed recommendations it says will help strengthen the nation's response to an influenza pandemic.

IDSA's recommendations include the following:

* A pre-established strategy to make possible rapid communication between HHS and other federal agencies, state and local public health officials, medical societies, physicians, and other health professionals. Specifically, IDSA recommends that the National Vaccine Program Office should have ultimate responsibility for coordinating efforts within HHS and with other federal agencies.

* Formation of an advisory committee to coordinate the various influenza research efforts government agencies, independent researchers, and industry undertake as well as publication of a progress report on a regular basis.


* Clear, national guidelines to identify-in advance of a pandemic-priority groups for vaccine and antiviral use, as well as containment methods and strategies to decrease the transmission of disease.

* A strengthening of vaccine and antiviral distribution networks; investing in research to advance what health officials know about influenza and how best to respond; developing prevention, control, and treatment strategies; identifying resource needs; and building infrastructure and capacity.

* Stockpiling antiviral drugs that can be used to treat influenza and stop the spread of infection. A specific strategy should be developed to distribute antiviral drugs to states, local health departments, and other points of care.

* Make more funding available than the administration's request of $100 million for pandemic influenza activities in fiscal years 2004-2005. In the event of a flu pandemic or other serious infectious disease outbreak, the Executive Branch should be able to trigger an emergency funding mechanism so that federal officials may respond quickly.

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