WHO Announces 2009 H1N1 Influenza Post-Pandemic Status

August 19, 2010 11:23 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza alert has moved from phase six, the highest alert level, to a post-pandemic stage, as announced by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan on August 10, 2010. In the post-pandemic period, WHO advises that the H1N1 influenza which caused the 2009 pandemic, will continue to circulate as a seasonal virus. WHO also noted, that while the level of concern is lower, vigilance by national health care authorities is important, and that younger individuals may continue to be more susceptible to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. More information and recommendations from WHO are available on the WHO Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Web page.

As noted in the August 4, 2010 NABP e-News, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season in the United States on July 30, 2010. The 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published recommendations for annual influenza vaccination to include all people aged six months and older. The expanded recommendation is to take effect in the 2010-2011 influenza season.