Influenza: Progress Made in Responding to Seasonal and Pandemic Outbreaks
Abstract
Influenza-in both its seasonal and pandemic forms-is an ongoing public health concern. In the United States, seasonal influenza has been associated with thousands of deaths each year, according to CDC. In a pandemic, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the disease causes a global disease outbreak with the potential for many more deaths. HHS has responsibility for coordinating the nations response to public health emergencies, including an influenza pandemic. Within HHS, CDC makes recommendations on vaccination, tracks the disease, and disseminates public health messages on influenza. This testimony discusses (1) lessons learned from federal responses to prior influenza outbreaks and (2) federal investments to strengthen the U.S. vaccine supply and production capacity. This testimony is based on prior GAO work on issues related to influenza vaccine supply and distribution; federal investments in domestic vaccine production capacity and production technologies; and the federal response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. This prior work includes analyses of information and interviews with officials within HHS, CDC, and FDA, as well as officials from vaccine manufacturers, medical supply distributors, state and local governments, provider groups, and other stakeholders. GAO also obtained updated information from HHS on the severity of the past three seasons, the numbers of vaccine doses distributed, and the status of advanced vaccine technology projects funded by HHS. HHS reviewed updated information and provided technical comments, which are incorporated as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1181091
Entities
People
- Marcia G. Crosse
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office