Recorded presentation

Raymond Strikas, MD, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-8813, RStrikas@cdc.gov, Benjamin Schwartz, MD, Department of Health and Human Services, National Vaccine Program Office, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-05, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-8953, BSchwartz@cdc.gov, Kathleen Gensheimer, MD, MPH, Maine Bureau of Health, 286 Water Street, Key Plaza, 9th floor, State House #11, Augusta, ME 04333, and Niranjan Bhat, MD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, 1600 Clifton Road, MS A-32, Atlanta, GA 30333.

The session will describe four aspects of influenza disease and influenza control that are important to the public health community:

1. The 2000-04 influenza season which was characterized by an early onset and peak, a drifted type A/H3N2 strain, widespread media attention to influenza-related deaths, introduction of a live attenuated influenza vaccine, and a true shortage of inactivated influenza vaccine;

2. An example of a state response (that of Maine) to this unusual influenza season;

3. Avian influenza outbreaks, with rare, but often severe, human disease, in Asia. These outbreaks are reminders of the adaptability of influenza viruses, and their pandemic potential.

3. Pandemic preparedness in the United States, which has completed a draft plan, and is incorporating comments to the plan. In addition, twenty-nine states have reported that they have completed their own pandemic plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe unusual features of the 2003-04 influenza season for both disease surveillance, vaccine supply, and vaccine effectiveness
• Describe major elements of the avian influenza outbreaks in Asia, including disease epidemiology and control measures.
• Describe the status of influenza pandemic preparedness planning at the national and state levels.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Immunizations

Related Web page: www.cdc.gov/flu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation