Public health experts and state and federal officials view influenza vaccine as the cornerstone of efforts to prevent and control annual epidemic influenza as well as pandemic influenza. Vaccine Availability May Be Limited in a Pandemic

Vaccines are considered the first line of defense against influenza to prevent infection and control the spread of the disease. The ability to successfully use vaccines to prevent influenza-related illness and death during the first wave of a pandemic, however, relies on certain conditions that have not been realized in the past, and may not occur in the future. Plans Incomplete to Purchase, Distribute, and Administer Vaccines and Drugs

Federal and state pandemic response plans are in various stages of completion and do not completely or consistently address the problems related to the purchase, distribution, and administration of supplies of vaccines and antiviral drugs during a pandemic.
Why GAO Did This Study

Public health experts have raised concerns about the ability of the nation's public health system to detect and respond to emerging infectious disease threats, such as pandemic influenza.

What GAO Found

Although vaccines are considered the first line of defense to prevent or reduce influenza-related illness and death, GAO found that they may be unavailable, in short supply, or ineffective for some portions of the population during the first wave of a pandemic. Federal and state influenza pandemic plans are in various stages of completion and do not completely or consistently address key issues surrounding the purchase, distribution, and administration of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Inconsistencies in state and federal policies could contribute to public confusion and weaken the effectiveness of the public health response.