During a response to a large-scale influenza outbreak such as the current H1N1 outbreak, a community’s 9-1-1 and healthcare systems may experience a surge in calls or walk-in visits for care, advice, and information. In fact, call volumes or walk-in visits could reach the point of overwhelming the 9-1-1 and healthcare systems, rendering them unable to respond to other emergencies in an efficient and effective manner.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met July 29, 2009, to develop recommendations on who should receive vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) when it becomes available, and to determine which groups of the population should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. The committee recommended the vaccination efforts focus on five key populations.

CDC Press Conference on Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

This interim guidance provides an overview of the sensitivities of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) in detecting novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in order to help guide the reporting and interpretation of test results.

CDC Press Conference on Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

New page launched to provide resources for state and local governments. Includes General Planning Information, Large Scale Vaccination Clinic Planning, and Vaccine Storage and Handling.

During week 28 (July 12-18, 2009), influenza activity decreased in the United States, however, there were still higher levels of influenza-like illness than is normal for this time of year.

CDC Telebriefing on Investigation of Human Cases of H1N1 Flu

Includes Questions & Answers such as “Why has CDC stopped reporting confirmed and probable novel H1N1 flu cases?”

CDC Briefing on Investigation of Human Cases of H1N1 Flu