Pandemic Planning

There are state-specific pages located at http // www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab2.html/. These state and local planning pages contain information about the state pandemic plan, formal agreements, and other pandemic planning information. They also contain historic information about the 1918 pandemic flu and its impact... 

What publication should healthcare facility planners reference for pandemic planning ... 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2004. Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan, 1-54. Washington, DC Government Printing Office. 

Specifically relating to pandemic flu, the federal government has developed a plan to confront an epidemic (Homeland Security Council, 2005). Its three pillars address preparedness and communication, surveillance and detection, and response and containment, and they would have an impact on health care professionals response. This plan will undoubtedly undergo frequent revision, and, thus, its implementation should be monitored. 

Department of Health and Human Services. (2005). HHS pandemic influenza plan. Retrieved March 27, 2007 from http // www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/factsheet.html Department of Health and Human Services. (2006a). HHS pandemic influenza plan Planning update HI. Retrieved March 27, 2007 from http //www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/ panflureportS. pdf... 

In a severe pandemic, the need for mechanical ventilators may far exceed hospital and Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) reserves. Using the CDC s FluSurge modeling software to predict the effects of DHHS planning assumptions for a severe pandemic, it can be predicted that in a typical city, with a pandemic of moderate duration and attack rate (8 weeks and 25 % respectively), at pandemic peak (Week 5), flu patients would require 191% of all non-intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 461% of all available ICU beds, and 198% of all available mechanical ventilators (Toner, 2005, December I). Even with greatly increased reserves, the SNS will not be able to provide supplies of ventilators adequate to meet the needs of hospitals in a pandemic. Moreover, they will not be able to rent equipment, and it is not practical for hospitals to purchase, maintain, and store expensive full feature mechanical ventilators just to have them on hand in case they are needed. 

Develop a comprehensive plan to prepare for and respond to an epidemic, pandemic, or biological weapon event. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical Offices and Clinics Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, Version 2.2, http //www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/medical.html, March 6, 2006 (last accessed 3-19-06)... 

Neergaard L (2005). U.S. working on plan for flu pandemic. Associated Press, Washington D.C., October 8. 

HSPD-10—Homeland Security Directive 10, Bio-Defense for the 2P Century. HSPD-10 was issued in response to the fears of bioterrorism following the anthrax attacks of 2001, the threat of pandemic influenza, and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. HSPD-10 serves as the basis for the country s biodefense program. This directive calls upon hospitals not only to plan for more traditional hazards, such as explosive or incendiary threats, but also to be ready to respond to bioterrorism attacks. 

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), created by the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act, provides leadership in the areas of preventing, preparing, and responding to adverse health effects related to public health emergencies and disasters. ASPR focuses on preparedness planning and response, including coordinating... 

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