Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation all participants will be able to explain the lessons learned from the 1976 National Influenza Immunization Campaign (NIIC) and how they may be applied to current pandemic influenza planning.


Background:
In 1976, fears that a world-wide pandemic would be sparked by so-called “swine flu” resulted in the creation and implementation of the NIIC in order to, in the words of President Ford, “…inoculate every man, woman, and child in the United States.”


Setting:
The U.S population with health policy decisions made primarily by the scientific community and the federal government.


Population:
Nearly 25 percent of the U.S. population was vaccinated before the NIIC was terminated.


Project Description:
This presentation will be based on available literature describing events surrounding the initiation of the NIIC and what lessons can be applied to current plans for pandemic influenza preparedness and response.


Results/Lessons Learned:
In 1976, when faced with science suggesting a burgeoning pandemic influenza threat and having developed a presumably effective vaccine, the government was faced with a “go/no-go” decision to implement the NIIC. Based on a combination of scientifically and politically-based decision making, the decision was made to go forth with the NIIC. The result was what has been called by one reporter “…the biggest public health debacle in memory.” The anticipated pandemic never occurred and the vaccinations ended up being associated with an unanticipated increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neuromuscular condition with a potential for fatal consequences. Thirty years later, the U.S. is still waiting for the next influenza pandemic. The U.S. Government's recently released HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan offers an approach to preparedness. Present-day health policy-makers may benefit from the lessons of past experience in pandemic preparedness.