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HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan

Visit PandemicFlu.gov for one-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. HHS is responsible for Pandemic Influenza Planning, outlined below.

PandemicFlu.gov

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The HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan is a blueprint for pandemic influenza preparation and response. It provides guidance to national, state, and local policy makers and health departments.

The HHS Plan includes an overview of the threat of pandemic influenza, a description of the relationship of this document to other Federal plans and an outline of key roles and responsibilities during a pandemic. In addition, it specifies needs and opportunities to build robust preparedness for and response to pandemic influenza.

The HHS Plan has three parts, the first two of which are contained in this document. Part 1, the HHS Strategic Plan, outlines federal plans and preparation for public health and medical support in the event of a pandemic. It identifies key roles of HHS and its agencies in a pandemic and provides planning assumptions for federal, state and local governments and public health operations plans. Part 2, Public Health Guidance for State and Local Partners, provides detailed guidance to state and local health departments in 11 key areas. Part 3, which is currently under development, will consist of HHS Agencies’ Operational Plans. Each HHS component will prepare, maintain, update and exercise an operational plan that itemizes their specific roles and responsibilities in the event of a pandemic.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the initial release of the HHS Plan in 2005, HHS has updated guidance on several topics covered in the original plan. The most current information on Pandemic planning and preparation can be found at PandemicFlu.gov. Direct links to updated guidance on Community Planning and Antiviral Drug Use are provided below:

View and Print Plan by Section


or

View and Print Entire Plan (PDF)
(396 pages, 6MB)


Overview of Plan (PDF Version - 18 pages, 618KB)

  • Statement by Secretary Mike Leavitt
  • Preface
  • Executive Summary


Part 1 – HHS Strategic Plan (PDF Version - 28 pages, 613MB)

  • The Pandemic Influenza Threat
  • Planning Assumptions
  • Doctrine for a Pandemic Influenza Response
  • Key Pandemic Influenza Response Actions and Key Capabilities for Effective Implementation
  • Roles and Responsibilities of HHS Agencies and Offices
  • HHS Actions for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response

Part 1 – HHS Strategic Plan Appendices



Part 2 – Public Health Guidance for State and Local Partners (PDF Version - 20 pages, 1MB)

  • Introduction
  • Overview of Planning by State and Local Governments
  • Overview of Community-Wide Planning to Support Healthcare Facilities
  • Public Health Guidance Supplements (Overview)
  • Appendix 1: ChecKlist of Legal Considerations for Pandemic Influenza in Your Community
  • Appendix 2: Fact Sheet: Practical Steps for Legal Preparedness

Part 2 - Public Health Guidance Supplements