May 11, 2010
WHO to reassess pandemic status
The Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) will wait for winter in the Southern Hemisphere before again reviewing the status of the H1N1 pandemic, Reuters reported today. The 15-member expert committee will likely meet later this month or early next, after the WHO's governing World Health Assembly next week. The panel may maintain the status quo, declare a transitional "post-peak" phase, or declare that the pandemic is over.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64A29620100511
May 11 Reuters story
EU Parliament members call for H1N1 investigation
More than 200 deputies of the European Parliament have signed a proposal calling for a special committee to look into the European Union's (EU's) response to the H1N1 pandemic, including an evaluation of the EU's dependence on the WHO. According to theparliament.com, signers claim that steps taken undermined EU credibility, the amount spent on vaccines was unwarranted, and officials should have changed course early on. The assembly's Conference of Presidents will vote on the matter tomorrow.
http://www.theparliament.com/no_cache/latestnews/news-article/newsarticle/eu-parliament-urged-to-investigate-h1n1-outbreak
May 5 theparliament.com article
Vermont asks for input on its H1N1 response
The Vermont Department of Health is asking Vermonters, including those who helped respond to the pandemic, what they think of the state's response to novel H1N1 flu, according to an Associated Press (AP) article. The state, which saw a third of its population receive the H1N1 vaccine, is offering two survey versions on its Web site: www.HealthVermont.gov. Health Commissioner Dr. Wendy Davis said the surveys will be used to strengthen the state's planning and future response.
http://www.reformer.com/latestnews/ci_15059981
May 11 AP report
New Zealand administers 900,000 vaccine doses
New Zealanders this year have received more than 900,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine, covering more than 20% of the population, the government said today. Health Minister Tony Ryall said, "Including protection against the pandemic swine flu in the seasonal vaccine has driven this unprecedented demand." Last year a record 960,000 doses were distributed in 30 weeks. Ryall estimated New Zealand would reach that mark in 11 weeks.
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/seasonal+flu+doses+top+900000
May 11 New Zealand government release
Tonga to get enough vaccine for all
The WHO announced today that the Pacific Island nation of Tonga will receive 90,000 doses of donated H1N1 vaccine on top of the 10,000 doses it received in March, which will provide enough to cover its entire population. Funds will be provided to help administer the doses, and ancillary items, such as syringes, will also be shipped.
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/20100511_tonga_h1n1.shtml
May 11 press release
