Clinical Trial of HHS-supported Flu Vaccine begins in Vietnam

Study Represents Milestone in Global Pandemic Preparedness and International Cooperation

Vietnam has begun a Phase I clinical trial for the first H1N1 influenza vaccine developed entirely in that country. The vaccine was developed and is being tested with support from HHS BARDA. A Phase I clinical trial is the first step in testing new vaccines in humans.

From the ASPR Blog:
How Three P’s (Partnership, Planning and Practice) Could Help Save Lives in an Anthrax Attack

Ever wonder how you would stay safe if there was wide-spread anthrax attack? Even if this is something that you’ve never put much thought into, scientists and emergency planners have been working hard since the 2001 anthrax attacks to make sure we have an answer that saves lives and protects health.

HHS Sponsors Contest for Web App to Identify Local Health Trends

Federal officials are challenging developers to design Web-based applications that use Twitter to track health trends in real time. Health officials may be able to use knowledge of these trends as an early indicator of emerging health issues and a warning of public health emergencies in a community.

HHS Selects Challenge Winners for Facebook Application

Three Facebook applications designed to help people prepare for emergencies and get support from friends and family in an emergency – from personal medical emergencies or car accidents to natural or man-made disasters – are winners of a Facebook application challenge sponsored by HHS\ASPR.

North American Countries Join Forces to Prepare for Pandemics

A new North American Plan for Animal and Pandemic Influenza supports a faster and more coordinated response to influenza pandemics in North America. President Obama, Mexican President Calderon, & Canadian Prime Minister Harper released the plan jointly during the North American Leaders Summit as a way to enhance the health and safety of residents of all three nations.