February 2007
SEASONAL AND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA 2007
Wendy E Braund, MD,
MPH, MSEd, ACPM/Pfizer Health Policy Resident
The
Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza 2007 conference was held
on February 1-2 in Arlington, VA. Attended by Several
hundred individuals representing a spectrum of
government agencies, NGOs, private entities, and
professional organizations, including ACPM, attended the
event. This conference built on the 2006 meeting,
conceived with the goal of improving overall preparation
for a potential flu pandemic and fostering communication
among the involved parties.
The
first day of the conference featured presentations on
the global perspective on seasonal and pandemic
influenza, its impact on vulnerable populations, H5N1
virus and vaccine development, clinical issues,
strategies being used by other countries, and the
announcement of the US National Plan for Pandemic
Influenza 2007. There was also a poster session
highlighting prevention and treatment activities by
conference participants and their organizations.
The
second day concentrated on current research, issues, and
practices in the US and planning within community and
health care settings. ACPM Past President Hugh Tilson,
DM, MPH DrPH, co-facilitated a well-received session on
influenza pandemic planning from the perspective of
state and local health departments. The poster session
on day two featured preparedness plans currently
underway in the communities, businesses, health care
facilities and schools represented by conference
participants and their organizations.
The
program was endorsed by several national organizations
and supported by educational grants from several
corporate entities, including Gilead Sciences, a
generous supporter of ACPM’s Preventive Medicine 2007
meeting.
