Incorporating research and evaluation into pandemic influenza vaccination preparedness and response.

Tom T Shimabukuro,Stephen C Redd

doi:10.3201/eid2004.140224

Abstract

Incorporating research and evaluation into pandemic influenza vaccination preparedness and response.

Highlights

This report is intended to stimulate discussion within Health and Human Services (HHS), with other federal departments and across relevant organizations—both governmental and non-governmental—about how to build upon the successful elements of the response and concretely address areas that warrant improvement
Prior investments in pandemic preparedness and response and established relationships with key institutional partners at all levels of government facilitated the success of the response
Some elements of existing plans, including the May 2006 National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan (Homeland Security Council, 2006), were more strategic than operational, and others were too locked into specific planning assumptions, such as the severity of the disease

Summary

Introduction

This report is intended to stimulate discussion within HHS, with other federal departments and across relevant organizations—both governmental and non-governmental—about how to build upon the successful elements of the response and concretely address areas that warrant improvement. Activity, role, and area of responsibility involved in the response, no matter how successful, represents a potential area for improvement. It is important to keep a sense of balance in mind, in that even successes can be improved upon, and even areas identified for improvement often had positive attributes. Discussions, accompanied by careful analysis of scientific evidence, can inform concrete actions to improve pandemic and all-hazards preparedness. This report represents an early step in a multifaceted improvement process that will require continued participation by the public, and health and preparedness officials at all levels, both public and private

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion