NOTE: This Discussion is closed.

DISCUSSION: Prioritization in the Health Care and Community Support Services (HC/CSS) Group

COMMENT: Tests to document immunity from infection or vaccine


Submitted by Brant Goode Active Panelist  on 12/5/07 8:33 AM

This is a great discussion thread. We don't yet have tests approved for an event that hasn't yet occurred--they'll be developed rapidly but the demand for testing will almost certainly outstrip capacity--sound familiar?

Nonetheless, identifying those who are protected either from infection or vaccination will not likely occur as quickly or easily as it might. The use of antivirals is currently focusing on treatment vs prevention, although increased stocks will allow some targeted preventive treatment.

We can predict--with degrees of uncertainty--that a vaccine may have similar efficacy as seasonal flu vaccine. That said, we will have to measure such efficacy during the actual event.

Finally, re the need to slow the pandemic before we have a vaccine that does work: this is where non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs) have deep value.



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Won't health care workers naturally be exposed to pandemic flu through their jobs?

Submitted by Caroline Bridgers on 12/5/07 07:07 AM