IDSA recommends ways to strengthen HHS's pandemic infl...( should be compiled and published on a ...),Health

Consistency of recommendations and implementation: Given the confusion that has resulted during this year's flu shot shortage, IDSA calls for 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.

Interpandemic influenza: There is much to be learned about how best to respond to a pandemic influenza outbreak, during the annual influenza season. IDSA urges the federal government to use this time and the lessons learned during these annual outbreaks wisely. Specifically, IDSA recommends strengthening vaccine and antiviral distribution networks; investing in research to advance what we know about influenza and how best to respond; developing prevention, control and treatment strategies; identifying resource needs; and building infrastructure and capacity.

Vaccine supply: Because the influenza virus changes from year to year, a reliable stockpile of flu vaccine cannot be built beforehand. However, IDSA recommends that small seed stocks of candidate vaccine strains be developed and tested. Because the pneumococcal vaccine can prevent certain complications of influenza, the Society recommends that HHS consider stockpiling this vaccine. IDSA also urges the development of specific and realistic plans to rapidly create a vaccine in sufficient quantity, as well as a system to track the distribution of vaccine and antivirals.

Antiviral supply: IDSA recommends 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. Legislation to spur development of vaccines and antivirals: IDSA advocates legislation to spur the research, development, and licensing of new va
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28-Oct-2004