Influenza pandemic preparedness plan for Russia
Kiselev O.I., Sominina A.A., Marinich I.G., Erofeeva M.K., Kuznetzov O.K., Drinevsky V.P., Platonov V.G., (Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia)
Background: National surveillance programs as
part of WHO global both epidemic and pandemic influenza surveillance
have an important role in rapid response of different health care
capacities and pharmaceutical companies to a future pandemic.
Results: Understanding of epidemiology of influenza
and basis for the timely updating of influenza vaccine formulation and
production during interpandemic period is important but not exhausting
step in pandemic preparedness. Review of the events of past pandemics
and new scientific achievements could help in developing recommendation
for increasing pandemic preparedness. Probability exists of
difficulties in rapid production of large quantities of vaccine soon
after a new variant is detected. Thus other ways of preventive actions
such as chemoprophylaxy using both new antiviral drugs such as polyrem,
packfarm and well studied rimantadin, arbidol have to be provided.
Available resources of antivirals, symptomatic and pathogenetical drugs
for influenza treatment have to be created beforehand to reduction in
morbidity and mortality associated with pandemic influenza.
Conclusion: International cooperation among government
agencies with help of experts will prioritize the recommendations and
utilize the available resources to accomplish tasks.