New Report Finds 10 Early Lessons Learned From the H1N...(erings were also problematic; Eve...),Health

"Its critical to understand what worked as planned in the H1N1 response, as well as to look at what needs to be strengthened, fixed, or better funded. This report is a contribution to that effort," said Thomas Inglesby, MD, Deputy Director, Center for Biosecurity of UPMC.

The report also identified some surprises encountered during the H1N1 outbreak, including that much of the world's pandemic planning had revolved around the potential threat of the H5N1 (bird) flu virus, which had been circulating in Asia and elsewhere for nearly a decade. It also reveals that planners anticipated there would be six weeks of lead time between the time a novel flu virus was identified and its spread to the United States.

In addition, according to the analysis in Pandemic Flu: Lessons from the Frontlines, there are a number of systemic gaps in the nation's ability to respond to a pandemic flu outbreak. To further strengthen U.S. preparedness, the following 10 core areas must be addressed:

1. Maintaining the Strategic National Stockpile-- making sure enough antiviral medications, vaccinations, and equipment are available to protect Americans, which includes replenishing the stockpile when medications and supplies are used;
2. Vaccine development and production-- enhancing the biomedical research and development abilities of the United States to rapidly develop and produce a vaccine;
3. Vaccinating all Americans -
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