Influenza Virus and Vaccination

Influenza Virus and Vaccination

Author: Marta L. DeDiego

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2020-05-28

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 3039288172

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The influenza virus poses a threat to human health and is responsible for global epidemics every year. In addition to seasonal infections, influenza can cause occasional pandemics of great consequence when novel viruses are introduced into humans. Despite the implementation of comprehensive vaccination programs, influenza viruses continue to pose an important and unpredictable global public health threat. They are one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality each year and have a significant economic impact. In recent years, research has been conducted to find alternative approaches to influenza vaccine development, including the generation of universal vaccines. Notably, significant progress in the field of influenza infection, transmission, and immunity have contributed to our understanding of influenza biology, and to expanding the technological approaches for the generation of more efficient strategies against influenza infections. Moreover, highly remarkable developments have been made in the implementation of new methodologies to evaluate the efficiency of vaccines and improve them for use on domestic animals such as poultry, horses, dogs or pigs. This enables us to decrease the exposure of humans to potentially pandemic viruses. The articles in this Special Issue will address the importance of influenza to human health and the advances in influenza research that have led to the development of better therapeutics and vaccination strategies.


Book Synopsis Influenza Virus and Vaccination by : Marta L. DeDiego

Download or read book Influenza Virus and Vaccination written by Marta L. DeDiego and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2020-05-28 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The influenza virus poses a threat to human health and is responsible for global epidemics every year. In addition to seasonal infections, influenza can cause occasional pandemics of great consequence when novel viruses are introduced into humans. Despite the implementation of comprehensive vaccination programs, influenza viruses continue to pose an important and unpredictable global public health threat. They are one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality each year and have a significant economic impact. In recent years, research has been conducted to find alternative approaches to influenza vaccine development, including the generation of universal vaccines. Notably, significant progress in the field of influenza infection, transmission, and immunity have contributed to our understanding of influenza biology, and to expanding the technological approaches for the generation of more efficient strategies against influenza infections. Moreover, highly remarkable developments have been made in the implementation of new methodologies to evaluate the efficiency of vaccines and improve them for use on domestic animals such as poultry, horses, dogs or pigs. This enables us to decrease the exposure of humans to potentially pandemic viruses. The articles in this Special Issue will address the importance of influenza to human health and the advances in influenza research that have led to the development of better therapeutics and vaccination strategies.

Adverse Effects of Vaccines

Adverse Effects of Vaccines

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-04-26

Total Pages: 894

ISBN-13: 0309214351

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In 1900, for every 1,000 babies born in the United States, 100 would die before their first birthday, often due to infectious diseases. Today, vaccines exist for many viral and bacterial diseases. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, passed in 1986, was intended to bolster vaccine research and development through the federal coordination of vaccine initiatives and to provide relief to vaccine manufacturers facing financial burdens. The legislation also intended to address concerns about the safety of vaccines by instituting a compensation program, setting up a passive surveillance system for vaccine adverse events, and by providing information to consumers. A key component of the legislation required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the Institute of Medicine to assess concerns about the safety of vaccines and potential adverse events, especially in children. Adverse Effects of Vaccines reviews the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence regarding adverse health events associated with specific vaccines covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), including the varicella zoster vaccine, influenza vaccines, the hepatitis B vaccine, and the human papillomavirus vaccine, among others. For each possible adverse event, the report reviews peer-reviewed primary studies, summarizes their findings, and evaluates the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence. It finds that while no vaccine is 100 percent safe, very few adverse events are shown to be caused by vaccines. In addition, the evidence shows that vaccines do not cause several conditions. For example, the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism or childhood diabetes. Also, the DTaP vaccine is not associated with diabetes and the influenza vaccine given as a shot does not exacerbate asthma. Adverse Effects of Vaccines will be of special interest to the National Vaccine Program Office, the VICP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine safety researchers and manufacturers, parents, caregivers, and health professionals in the private and public sectors.


Book Synopsis Adverse Effects of Vaccines by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Adverse Effects of Vaccines written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2012-04-26 with total page 894 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1900, for every 1,000 babies born in the United States, 100 would die before their first birthday, often due to infectious diseases. Today, vaccines exist for many viral and bacterial diseases. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, passed in 1986, was intended to bolster vaccine research and development through the federal coordination of vaccine initiatives and to provide relief to vaccine manufacturers facing financial burdens. The legislation also intended to address concerns about the safety of vaccines by instituting a compensation program, setting up a passive surveillance system for vaccine adverse events, and by providing information to consumers. A key component of the legislation required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the Institute of Medicine to assess concerns about the safety of vaccines and potential adverse events, especially in children. Adverse Effects of Vaccines reviews the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence regarding adverse health events associated with specific vaccines covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), including the varicella zoster vaccine, influenza vaccines, the hepatitis B vaccine, and the human papillomavirus vaccine, among others. For each possible adverse event, the report reviews peer-reviewed primary studies, summarizes their findings, and evaluates the epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence. It finds that while no vaccine is 100 percent safe, very few adverse events are shown to be caused by vaccines. In addition, the evidence shows that vaccines do not cause several conditions. For example, the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism or childhood diabetes. Also, the DTaP vaccine is not associated with diabetes and the influenza vaccine given as a shot does not exacerbate asthma. Adverse Effects of Vaccines will be of special interest to the National Vaccine Program Office, the VICP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine safety researchers and manufacturers, parents, caregivers, and health professionals in the private and public sectors.

Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines

Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines

Author: National Academy of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2021-12-31

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780309089159

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Influenza viruses, both seasonal and pandemic, have the potential to disrupt the health and well-being of populations around the world. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prior public health emergencies of international concern illustrate the importance of global preparedness and coordination among governments, academia, scientists, policy makers, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and the public to address the threat of pandemic influenza. These health emergencies have revealed opportunities to enhance global vaccine infrastructure, manufacturing, distribution, and administration. Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines outlines key findings and recommendations to bolster vaccine distribution, manufacturing, and supply chains for future seasonal and pandemic influenza events. This report addresses the challenges of manufacturing and distributing vaccines for both seasonal and pandemic influenza, highlighting the critical components of vaccine manufacturing and distribution and offering recommendations that would address gaps in the current global vaccine infrastructure.


Book Synopsis Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines by : National Academy of Medicine

Download or read book Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines written by National Academy of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2021-12-31 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Influenza viruses, both seasonal and pandemic, have the potential to disrupt the health and well-being of populations around the world. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prior public health emergencies of international concern illustrate the importance of global preparedness and coordination among governments, academia, scientists, policy makers, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and the public to address the threat of pandemic influenza. These health emergencies have revealed opportunities to enhance global vaccine infrastructure, manufacturing, distribution, and administration. Globally Resilient Supply Chains for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccines outlines key findings and recommendations to bolster vaccine distribution, manufacturing, and supply chains for future seasonal and pandemic influenza events. This report addresses the challenges of manufacturing and distributing vaccines for both seasonal and pandemic influenza, highlighting the critical components of vaccine manufacturing and distribution and offering recommendations that would address gaps in the current global vaccine infrastructure.

The Vaccine Book

The Vaccine Book

Author: Barry R. Bloom

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2016-06-23

Total Pages: 664

ISBN-13: 012805400X

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The Vaccine Book, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on the current and future state of vaccines. It reveals the scientific opportunities and potential impact of vaccines, including economic and ethical challenges, problems encountered when producing vaccines, how clinical vaccine trials are designed, and how to introduce vaccines into widespread use. Although vaccines are now available for many diseases, there are still challenges ahead for major diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This book is designed for students, researchers, public health officials, and all others interested in increasing their understanding of vaccines. It answers common questions regarding the use of vaccines in the context of a rapidly expanding anti-vaccine environment. This new edition is completely updated and revised with new and unique topics, including new vaccines, problems of declining immunization rates, trust in vaccines, the vaccine hesitancy, and the social value of vaccines for the community vs. the individual child’s risk. Provides insights into diseases that could be prevented, along with the challenges facing research scientists in the world of vaccines Gives new ideas about future vaccines and concepts Introduces new vaccines and concepts Gives ideas about challenges facing public and private industrial investors in the vaccine area Discusses the problem of declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy


Book Synopsis The Vaccine Book by : Barry R. Bloom

Download or read book The Vaccine Book written by Barry R. Bloom and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2016-06-23 with total page 664 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Vaccine Book, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on the current and future state of vaccines. It reveals the scientific opportunities and potential impact of vaccines, including economic and ethical challenges, problems encountered when producing vaccines, how clinical vaccine trials are designed, and how to introduce vaccines into widespread use. Although vaccines are now available for many diseases, there are still challenges ahead for major diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This book is designed for students, researchers, public health officials, and all others interested in increasing their understanding of vaccines. It answers common questions regarding the use of vaccines in the context of a rapidly expanding anti-vaccine environment. This new edition is completely updated and revised with new and unique topics, including new vaccines, problems of declining immunization rates, trust in vaccines, the vaccine hesitancy, and the social value of vaccines for the community vs. the individual child’s risk. Provides insights into diseases that could be prevented, along with the challenges facing research scientists in the world of vaccines Gives new ideas about future vaccines and concepts Introduces new vaccines and concepts Gives ideas about challenges facing public and private industrial investors in the vaccine area Discusses the problem of declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy

Vaccines for the 21st Century

Vaccines for the 21st Century

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2001-02-21

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 0309174988

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Vaccines have made it possible to eradicate the scourge of smallpox, promise the same for polio, and have profoundly reduced the threat posed by other diseases such as whooping cough, measles, and meningitis. What is next? There are many pathogens, autoimmune diseases, and cancers that may be promising targets for vaccine research and development. This volume provides an analytic framework and quantitative model for evaluating disease conditions that can be applied by those setting priorities for vaccine development over the coming decades. The committee describes an approach for comparing potential new vaccines based on their impact on morbidity and mortality and on the costs of both health care and vaccine development. The book examines: Lessons to be learned from the polio experience. Scientific advances that set the stage for new vaccines. Factors that affect how vaccines are used in the population. Value judgments and ethical questions raised by comparison of health needs and benefits. The committee provides a way to compare different forms of illness and set vaccine priorities without assigning a monetary value to lives. Their recommendations will be important to anyone involved in science policy and public health planning: policymakers, regulators, health care providers, vaccine manufacturers, and researchers.


Book Synopsis Vaccines for the 21st Century by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Vaccines for the 21st Century written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-02-21 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vaccines have made it possible to eradicate the scourge of smallpox, promise the same for polio, and have profoundly reduced the threat posed by other diseases such as whooping cough, measles, and meningitis. What is next? There are many pathogens, autoimmune diseases, and cancers that may be promising targets for vaccine research and development. This volume provides an analytic framework and quantitative model for evaluating disease conditions that can be applied by those setting priorities for vaccine development over the coming decades. The committee describes an approach for comparing potential new vaccines based on their impact on morbidity and mortality and on the costs of both health care and vaccine development. The book examines: Lessons to be learned from the polio experience. Scientific advances that set the stage for new vaccines. Factors that affect how vaccines are used in the population. Value judgments and ethical questions raised by comparison of health needs and benefits. The committee provides a way to compare different forms of illness and set vaccine priorities without assigning a monetary value to lives. Their recommendations will be important to anyone involved in science policy and public health planning: policymakers, regulators, health care providers, vaccine manufacturers, and researchers.

The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign

The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-01-22

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 0309160219

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The 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign was one of the largest public health campaigns in U.S. history, vaccinating one-quarter of the population in the first three months. The Institute of Medicine held three workshops in Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX; and Seattle, WA to learn from participants' experiences during the campaign and improve future emergency vaccination programs.


Book Synopsis The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-01-22 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign was one of the largest public health campaigns in U.S. history, vaccinating one-quarter of the population in the first three months. The Institute of Medicine held three workshops in Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX; and Seattle, WA to learn from participants' experiences during the campaign and improve future emergency vaccination programs.

Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition E-Book

Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition E-Book

Author: Jennifer Hamborsky, MPH, MCHES

Publisher: Public Health Foundation

Published: 2015-10-19

Total Pages: 512

ISBN-13: 0990449122

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The Public Health Foundation (PHF) in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pleased to announce the availability of Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition or “The Pink Book” E-Book. This resource provides the most current, comprehensive, and credible information on vaccine-preventable diseases, and contains updated content on immunization and vaccine information for public health practitioners, healthcare providers, health educators, pharmacists, nurses, and others involved in administering vaccines. “The Pink Book E-Book” allows you, your staff, and others to have quick access to features such as keyword search and chapter links. Online schedules and sources can also be accessed directly through e-readers with internet access. Current, credible, and comprehensive, “The Pink Book E-Book” contains information on each vaccine-preventable disease and delivers immunization providers with the latest information on: Principles of vaccination General recommendations on immunization Vaccine safety Child/adult immunization schedules International vaccines/Foreign language terms Vaccination data and statistics The E-Book format contains all of the information and updates that are in the print version, including: · New vaccine administration chapter · New recommendations regarding selection of storage units and temperature monitoring tools · New recommendations for vaccine transport · Updated information on available influenza vaccine products · Use of Tdap in pregnancy · Use of Tdap in persons 65 years of age or older · Use of PCV13 and PPSV23 in adults with immunocompromising conditions · New licensure information for varicella-zoster immune globulin Contact [email protected] for more information. For more news and specials on immunization and vaccines visit the Pink Book's Facebook fan page


Book Synopsis Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition E-Book by : Jennifer Hamborsky, MPH, MCHES

Download or read book Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition E-Book written by Jennifer Hamborsky, MPH, MCHES and published by Public Health Foundation. This book was released on 2015-10-19 with total page 512 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Public Health Foundation (PHF) in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pleased to announce the availability of Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 13th Edition or “The Pink Book” E-Book. This resource provides the most current, comprehensive, and credible information on vaccine-preventable diseases, and contains updated content on immunization and vaccine information for public health practitioners, healthcare providers, health educators, pharmacists, nurses, and others involved in administering vaccines. “The Pink Book E-Book” allows you, your staff, and others to have quick access to features such as keyword search and chapter links. Online schedules and sources can also be accessed directly through e-readers with internet access. Current, credible, and comprehensive, “The Pink Book E-Book” contains information on each vaccine-preventable disease and delivers immunization providers with the latest information on: Principles of vaccination General recommendations on immunization Vaccine safety Child/adult immunization schedules International vaccines/Foreign language terms Vaccination data and statistics The E-Book format contains all of the information and updates that are in the print version, including: · New vaccine administration chapter · New recommendations regarding selection of storage units and temperature monitoring tools · New recommendations for vaccine transport · Updated information on available influenza vaccine products · Use of Tdap in pregnancy · Use of Tdap in persons 65 years of age or older · Use of PCV13 and PPSV23 in adults with immunocompromising conditions · New licensure information for varicella-zoster immune globulin Contact [email protected] for more information. For more news and specials on immunization and vaccines visit the Pink Book's Facebook fan page

Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks

Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2019-06-05

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 0309490359

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In November 2018, an ad hoc planning committee at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planned two sister workshops held in Washington, DC, to examine the lessons from influenza pandemics and other major outbreaks, understand the extent to which the lessons have been learned, and discuss how they could be applied further to ensure that countries are sufficiently ready for future pandemics. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from both workshops.


Book Synopsis Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Exploring Lessons Learned from a Century of Outbreaks written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-06-05 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In November 2018, an ad hoc planning committee at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planned two sister workshops held in Washington, DC, to examine the lessons from influenza pandemics and other major outbreaks, understand the extent to which the lessons have been learned, and discuss how they could be applied further to ensure that countries are sufficiently ready for future pandemics. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from both workshops.

CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel

CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017-04-17

Total Pages: 672

ISBN-13: 0190628634

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THE ESSENTIAL WORK IN TRAVEL MEDICINE -- NOW COMPLETELY UPDATED FOR 2018 As unprecedented numbers of travelers cross international borders each day, the need for up-to-date, practical information about the health challenges posed by travel has never been greater. For both international travelers and the health professionals who care for them, the CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel is the definitive guide to staying safe and healthy anywhere in the world. The fully revised and updated 2018 edition codifies the U.S. government's most current health guidelines and information for international travelers, including pretravel vaccine recommendations, destination-specific health advice, and easy-to-reference maps, tables, and charts. The 2018 Yellow Book also addresses the needs of specific types of travelers, with dedicated sections on: · Precautions for pregnant travelers, immunocompromised travelers, and travelers with disabilities · Special considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees · Practical tips for last-minute or resource-limited travelers · Advice for air crews, humanitarian workers, missionaries, and others who provide care and support overseas Authored by a team of the world's most esteemed travel medicine experts, the Yellow Book is an essential resource for travelers -- and the clinicians overseeing their care -- at home and abroad.


Book Synopsis CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel by : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC

Download or read book CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel written by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2017-04-17 with total page 672 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: THE ESSENTIAL WORK IN TRAVEL MEDICINE -- NOW COMPLETELY UPDATED FOR 2018 As unprecedented numbers of travelers cross international borders each day, the need for up-to-date, practical information about the health challenges posed by travel has never been greater. For both international travelers and the health professionals who care for them, the CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel is the definitive guide to staying safe and healthy anywhere in the world. The fully revised and updated 2018 edition codifies the U.S. government's most current health guidelines and information for international travelers, including pretravel vaccine recommendations, destination-specific health advice, and easy-to-reference maps, tables, and charts. The 2018 Yellow Book also addresses the needs of specific types of travelers, with dedicated sections on: · Precautions for pregnant travelers, immunocompromised travelers, and travelers with disabilities · Special considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees · Practical tips for last-minute or resource-limited travelers · Advice for air crews, humanitarian workers, missionaries, and others who provide care and support overseas Authored by a team of the world's most esteemed travel medicine experts, the Yellow Book is an essential resource for travelers -- and the clinicians overseeing their care -- at home and abroad.

The Threat of Pandemic Influenza

The Threat of Pandemic Influenza

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-04-09

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 0309095042

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Public health officials and organizations around the world remain on high alert because of increasing concerns about the prospect of an influenza pandemic, which many experts believe to be inevitable. Moreover, recent problems with the availability and strain-specificity of vaccine for annual flu epidemics in some countries and the rise of pandemic strains of avian flu in disparate geographic regions have alarmed experts about the world's ability to prevent or contain a human pandemic. The workshop summary, The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready? addresses these urgent concerns. The report describes what steps the United States and other countries have taken thus far to prepare for the next outbreak of "killer flu." It also looks at gaps in readiness, including hospitals' inability to absorb a surge of patients and many nations' incapacity to monitor and detect flu outbreaks. The report points to the need for international agreements to share flu vaccine and antiviral stockpiles to ensure that the 88 percent of nations that cannot manufacture or stockpile these products have access to them. It chronicles the toll of the H5N1 strain of avian flu currently circulating among poultry in many parts of Asia, which now accounts for the culling of millions of birds and the death of at least 50 persons. And it compares the costs of preparations with the costs of illness and death that could arise during an outbreak.


Book Synopsis The Threat of Pandemic Influenza by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book The Threat of Pandemic Influenza written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2005-04-09 with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Public health officials and organizations around the world remain on high alert because of increasing concerns about the prospect of an influenza pandemic, which many experts believe to be inevitable. Moreover, recent problems with the availability and strain-specificity of vaccine for annual flu epidemics in some countries and the rise of pandemic strains of avian flu in disparate geographic regions have alarmed experts about the world's ability to prevent or contain a human pandemic. The workshop summary, The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready? addresses these urgent concerns. The report describes what steps the United States and other countries have taken thus far to prepare for the next outbreak of "killer flu." It also looks at gaps in readiness, including hospitals' inability to absorb a surge of patients and many nations' incapacity to monitor and detect flu outbreaks. The report points to the need for international agreements to share flu vaccine and antiviral stockpiles to ensure that the 88 percent of nations that cannot manufacture or stockpile these products have access to them. It chronicles the toll of the H5N1 strain of avian flu currently circulating among poultry in many parts of Asia, which now accounts for the culling of millions of birds and the death of at least 50 persons. And it compares the costs of preparations with the costs of illness and death that could arise during an outbreak.