Infectious Disease

Pandemic Influenza

An influenza pandemic occurs when a novel influenza virus causes a worldwide outbreak of disease with a very high attack rate. ASTHO strives to improve pandemic preparedness among its members and to create a strong public health system that can respond to a pandemic. As part of that effort, ASTHO works with public health agencies to highlight the successes in responding to and preventing seasonal influenza, shares strategies across jurisdictions, and increases coordination and collaboration between public health, pharmacies, and diverse health care provider organizations.

More information can be found on CDC's website.
You can find summaries and recordings from past ASTHO events linked here.
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Resources for Public Health and Pharmacy Collaborations

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Toolkit for Public Health and Pharmacies

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Toolkit for Collaborations Between Public Health and Pharmacies in Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic
The revised 2018 toolkit contains best practices and lessons learned by states to successfully implement a draft template MOU. The ASTHO MOU template formalizes responsibilities between state-level public health programs and pharmacies in pandemic vaccination planning and response. Supplemental materials are listed below.

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Collaborations and Partnerships - Pharmacies

Report from March 2016 Workshop hosted by American Pharmacy Association (APhA)

Report from June 2016 Meeting hosted by National Association for Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

Public Health and Pharmacy Collaboration in an Influenza Pandemic: Summary of Findings from an Exploratory Interview Project
This summary highlights findings and recommendations from a project exploring how public health and pharmacies could better coordinate their vaccine distribution and administration efforts during a severe pandemic.

Pharmacy Legal Toolkit
This toolkit is intended to provide guidance and templates for state and territorial health agencies on establishing effective partnerships with pharmacies during routine and pandemic influenza seasons.

Evaluation of Pharmacy Participation in the H1N1 Vaccination Campaign: Pharmacies and Public Health Summaries

Operational Framework for Partnering with Pharmacies for Administration of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine

Mitigating Influenza in Vulnerable Populations

This project aims to improve influenza outcomes among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and racial-ethnic minorities, including tribes. ASTHO partners with relevant medical and professional organizations to develop resources, conduct outreach and build partnerships to improve influenza immunization rates in these vulnerable communities. Go to page »

State Infrastructure and Capacity

Infectious Disease Infrastructure: Impact and Continued Improvements Due to H1N1 Investments
This report describes some infrastructure gains in state program capacity, partnerships, and communications that resulted from increased engagement during H1N1, including those that are sustainable and replicable post-pandemic.

Addressing Communication Challenges During an Infectious Disease Emergency Response
This document draws from state experiences during the H1N1 pandemic response and discusses potential ways to address communication challenges that state health agencies may face when responding to an infectious disease outbreak, including tools available for more effective and efficient communications.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Public Health and Faith Community Partnerships: Model Practices to Increase Influenza Prevention Among Hard-to-Reach Populations
Designed for both public health and religious leaders, this guide aims to strengthen partnership-building capacity and enhance public health's ability to reduce the spread of influenza.

Boosting Influenza Immunizations at Work: Tools and Guidance for State Health Departments and Their Partners
This toolkit collects state and local public health agencies' advice and relevant materials in one place, in the hopes of streamlining the process for public health agencies and professionals who are new to these efforts or who want to strengthen and expand what they're already doing.

Findings from an Evaluation of Public Health and Workplace Collaborations During the 2009-10 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic

At-Risk Populations

At-Risk Populations Project

Some individuals are at increased risk of suffering severe consequences during an influenza pandemic and may need special assistance to maintain basic medical care, as well as access to food and shelter. This project developed guidance for state, territorial, tribal and local health departments on planning for at-risk populations and pandemic influenza.

Antiviral Distribution

In partnership with the CDC and NACCHO, ASTHO explored alternative approaches to antiviral management and distribution during a public health emergency. This project examined the system and approaches used for antiviral management and distribution during H1N1, identified lessons learned, and explored options for improvements for distribution, dispensing, and tracking of antivirals. The goal of this multi-year project was to improve the availability of antivirals (and potentially other countermeasures) for timely dispensing during a public health emergency.

Policy Barriers

Assessing Policy Barriers to Effective Public Health Response in the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic

Legal Preparedness Series - a series of toolkits that address the key information needs of public health officials in understanding and using legal authorities to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies