Vaccine Law

Swine Flu (H1N1) Law and Policy
Spring 2009 Outbreak

See also: SARS; Swine Flu Historical Materials (1976 Immunization Program); Pandemic Flu Resources

CDC H1N1 Update Page

Emergency Preparedness Materials for courts

Analysis

3 May 2009

In 1976 there was a swine flu scare that resulted in a national swine flu immuization program. Understanding this program is useful background for understanding the contemporary reponse to the H1N1 outbreak. Materials on the 1976 events is archived here. In retropect, the CDC was seen to have overreacted since there were no cases of swine flu, but alledgely there were injuries from the vaccine. The starting point for understanding the decision making problems in a potenital pandemic is the report on the 1976 swine flu scare - The Swine Flu Affair. The goverment instituted its first vaccine compensation program for the swine flu vaccine.

The key difference between the 2009 outbreak and 1976 is that in 2009 there are documented cases of swine flu. In the 2009 outbreak there are many documented cases around the world. This is a real outbreak whose ultimate shape is unknown. At this point it appears to be mild.

Resources

New York State regulations on health care worker immunizations.

CRS, "The Role of the Department of Defense During a Flu Pandemic," June 4, 2009

CRS, The 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Outbreak: Selected Legal Issues (May 6, 2009)

CRS, The 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) "Swine Flu" Outbeak: U.S. Responses to Global Cases, April 30, 2009.

CRS, The 2009 H1N1 "Swine Flu" Outbeak: An Overview, April 30, 2009.

Letter of Authorization: Emergency Use of Disposable N95 Respirators from Strategic National Stockpile (orginal link)

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the emergency use of zanamivir inhalation powder

Update: Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus — United States and Other Countries, May 1, 2009

Outbreak of Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection — Mexico, March–April 2009

Update: Infections With a Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus — United States and Other Countries, April 28, 2009

Update: Drug Susceptibility of Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses, April 2009

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Two Children — Southern California, March–April 2009