Dec 1, 2009
Sebelius orders review of countermeasure policies
In the wake of the delays in H1N1 vaccine production, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is ordering a major review of policies for developing defenses against public health threats. In a speech prepared for an American Medical Association meeting, Sebelius said she wants a review of HHS's "entire public health countermeasures enterprise, to be completed in the first quarter of next year" and led by Dr. Nicole Lurie, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness.
http://www.hhs.gov/secretary/speeches/sp20091201.html
Sebelius's Dec 1 speech
WHO clears Glaxo H1N1 vaccine for developing countries
GlaxoSmithKline announced today that the World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified its adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine made in Canada, a key step that will allow it to be distributed to developing countries. Prequalification signifies that the vaccine meets quality and safety standards. Glaxo's pandemic vaccine is the first to get the WHO endorsement. In November Glaxo promised to donate 50 million doses to the WHO.
www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2009/2009_pressrelease_10140.htm
Dec 1 Glaxo press release
CDC issues flu guidance for airliners
In interim guidelines for managing influenza-like illness on airliners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says airline crews should keep sick passengers at least 6 feet away from others if possible and should ask them to wear a face mask if it can be tolerated. Crew members should wear gloves when tending to sick passengers or touching potentially contaminated surfaces, but routine use of face masks and N-95 respirators is not recommended.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/air-crew-dom-intl.htm
Nov 30 CDC guidance
Pandemic virus found in turkeys, pigs, cats
Veterinary authorities in Virginia detected the pandemic H1N1 virus at a turkey farm after egg production dropped in one of the barns, according to a report from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The source of the virus is thought to be a sick worker. Also, officials from Finland reported an outbreak at a pig farm where workers had recently been ill. And yesterday the US Department of Agriculture reported virus confirmation in two cats and a cheetah.
http://www.oie.int/wahis/reports/en_imm_0000008709_20091130_121209.pdf
Nov 30 OIE report
Australia's seasonal vaccine delayed by H1N1
Production of pandemic H1N1 vaccine may delay the arrival of Australia's seasonal flu vaccine by about 3 weeks, a spokeswoman from CSL Ltd, which makes most of the vaccine for the Australian market, told Bloomberg News. The company expects the seasonal flu vaccine, which will contain the pandemic strain, to arrive in April instead of March. CSL is one of the companies making pandemic vaccine for the United States and is the only vaccine producer in the Southern Hemisphere.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aqHQN8.lsbiM
Dec 1 Bloomberg News story
