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Influenza Pandemic: Applying Lessons Learned from the 2004-05 Influenza Vaccine Shortage

GAO-06-221T Published: Nov 04, 2005. Publicly Released: Nov 04, 2005.
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Highlights

Concern has been rising about the nation's preparedness to respond to vaccine shortages that could occur in future annual influenza seasons or during an influenza pandemic--a global influenza outbreak. Although the timing or extent of a future influenza pandemic cannot be predicted, studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe, and shortages of vaccine could occur. For the 2004-05 annual influenza season, the nation lost about half its expected influenza vaccine supply when one of two major manufacturers announced in October 2004 that it would not release any vaccine. GAO examined federal, state, and local actions taken in response to the shortage, including lessons learned. The nation's experience during the unexpected 2004-05 vaccine shortfall offers insights into some of the challenges that government entities will face in a pandemic. GAO was asked to provide a statement on lessons learned from the 2004-05 vaccine shortage and their relevance to planning and preparing for similar situations in the future, including an influenza pandemic. This statement is based on a GAO report, Influenza Vaccine: Shortages in 2004-05 Season Underscore Need for Better Preparation (GAO-05-984), and on previous GAO reports and testimonies about influenza vaccine supply and pandemic preparedness.

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Community health servicesContingency plansEmergency preparednessEpidemicsHealth care planningHealth care servicesHealth hazardsHealth resources utilizationHealth services administrationImmunization programsImmunization servicesInfectious diseasesInfluenzaIntergovernmental relationsLessons learnedPandemicPolicy evaluationStrategic planningVaccination