Outbreak preparedness & control [Avian influenza] [Influenza] The Influenza vaccine With regards to which vaccine composition to use (Southern or Northern hemisphere winter) for those residing in the tropical regions, it depends very much on the local epidemiological situation and the approved vaccine procurement channels. Advisory assistance is available through the PPHSN: mailto:phs.cdc@spc.int. Updated epidemiological and vaccine information from WHO can be respectively accessed at: http://www.who.int/flunet (FluNet) and http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/vaccinerecommendations/en/ 1. The threat of a possible Influenza Pandemic developing out of the current avian influenza epidemics (especially those with documented human infections and if not controlled in the very near future) poses the biggest challenge regionally and, of course, globally. We need to be proactive in ensuring that we avoid a Pandemic by adopting a multi-sectoral effort to seriously and urgently control the spread of the epidemic to our shores through suggested measures and information shared through EpiNet team members and respective country members of the PPHSN. 2. We must take note that new vaccines take at least four months to develop. Thus, if an influenza pandemic occurs, it is envisaged that devastating human losses may occur before any vaccine is developed and available. Therefore, the call is for us and whoever that accessed this posting, to act now towards controlling the epidemics and preventing further transmission of this avian influenza. 3. PPHSN Influenza Specialist Group has developed guidelines for Influenza preparedness and control and influenza pandemic preparedness. As experts see a pandemic of influenza quasi unavoidable--the question being when it will occur rather that if it will occur--it is crucial each country and territory develops its own multisectoral influenza pandemic preparedness plan. The Meeting of the Ministers of Health in Apia in March 2005 has recommended, in the Samoa Commitment "PPHSN (WHO, SPC and other partners) should continue to provide technical support to assist countries and territories to develop national pandemic preparedness plans. At national level a multi-sectoral task force (including civil society) should be established to develop a national pandemic preparedness plan. The development of the pandemic preparedness plan should be multisectoral, be led or coordinated by the Ministry of Health and should be developed based on existing plans/mechanism (e.g. the existing disaster body and plan)." (draft version of the recommendation).
More information on the recommended vaccines can be accessed at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/vaccinerecommendations/en/ For any further information please contact the Influenza Specialist Group through SPC Public Health Surveillance and Communicable Disease Control section: phs.cdc@spc.int. [Back to the top] | 
