New pandemic preparedness strategy launched for UK

The Department of Health has introduced a new 2011 pandemic preparedness strategy for the UK to ensure the NHS is able to respond effectively to a major influenza outbreak.

Building on guidance from 2007 and lessons learned from the H1N1 swine flu pandemic of 2009 – as well as the latest scientific evidence – the new plan aims to lay out courses of action in case of any further major disease incidents.

It sets out the main phases of pandemics and likely scenarios depending on impact level, with regard to healthcare delivery, impact on society and the need to communicate public messages.

The government is hoping that the launch of the new strategy can help the UK continue to be one of the best-prepared countries in the world for flu pandemics.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "Good communications, strong preparations and close working with our health and social care professionals are key to ensuring the impact on services and to the public is kept to a minimum."

This comes a month after the Department of Health commenced its annual programme of flu vaccination for people in the UK in at-risk groups.