A panel of immunization experts voted today (February 24, 2010) to expand the recommendation for annual influenza vaccination to include all people aged 6 months and older.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based system of health surveys that collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury.

Key FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Inclusion of 2009 H1N1 Strain in the 2010-2011 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Inventory capacity at CDC's centralized distribution depots (McKesson) has been at 30 million doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine (with comparable inventory capacity for ancillary supplies) since the program's inception.

It is recommended that the following viruses be used for influenza vaccines in the 2010-2011 influenza season (northern hemisphere)

As of 14 February 2010, worldwide more than 212 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 15921 deaths.

As of 7 February 2010, worldwide more than 212 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 15292 deaths.

Since April 2009, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has been spreading from person-to-person worldwide, affecting all racial and ethnic groups.

With the emergence of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza (pH1N1), the importance of the primary care provider's (PCP) role in the community healthcare system has become increasingly evident.

As of 31 January 2010, worldwide more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 15174 deaths.

Why are some of the doses of H1N1 vaccine manufactured in pre-filled syringes being recalled from the market?

During week 4 (January 24-30, 2010), influenza activity remained at approximately the same levels as last week in the U.S.

Shortened Expiration Period For Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Vaccine In Pre-filled Syringes Questions & Answers

29 January 2010 -- As of 24 January 2010, worldwide more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 14711 deaths.

Effective communication is a key component of emergency response planning. It can help direct the medical community and the general public to take appropriate action to contain a disease outbreak, limit exposure, and reduce morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, ineffective communication can lead to confusion in both the general public and the emergency response community. It can interfere with the response to an incident. It can lead to public distrust and skepticism, and, once that has happened, it is difficult to regain that trust.

CDC MMWR Update: Outbreaks of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Among Long-Term-Care Facility Residents - Three States, 2009

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways, including when they begin, how severe they are, how long they last and which viruses will spread. There were more uncertainties than usual going into this flu season (2009-2010), because of the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (previously called "novel H1N1" or "swine flu"). This virus caused the first influenza pandemic (global outbreak of disease) in more than 40 years.

The purpose of this document is to provide a suggested approach, based on input from pediatric stakeholders, to communicating pediatric-related information on pandemic influenza at the community level in a step-by-step manner. This is a suggested approach to coordinating communication and disseminating information; it can be adapted or modified to suit most communities as they see fit. The goal is to give community planners "talking points" for discussions on a coordinated approach to communication in their community.

As of 17 January 2010, worldwide more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 14142 deaths.

The emergence and spread of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (2009 H1N1) resulted in extraordinary influenza activity in the United States throughout the summer and fall months of 2009.