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July 3, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Planning for Next Flu Pandemic Still a Tough Sell"

American Medical News (www.amednews.com) (07/01/02) Vol. 45, No. 25, P. 26; Elliott, Victoria Stagg

Many public health officials say that the September terrorist attacks in the United States and the recent anthrax mailings have brought forth new interest in preparing the public health infrastructure for a flu pandemic, as part of the response to possible bioterrorism.  Officials have had a difficult time convincing people of the need to prepare for a large flu outbreak, despite the three outbreaks that occurred during the 20th century, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that just 13 state health departments have plans in place--though 20 more are working on plans.  According to experts, the perception that flu is a mild disease and its low activity in recent years have hindered attempts to bring it to attention, along with the predicted swine flu in 1976 that did not occur.  Some fear that the medical infrastructure will not have the resources to care for the victims should a flu pandemic take place, and it is not clear whether enough vaccine could be produced or whether it could be delivered in time to those who would most need it.

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