HHS Secretary Azar holds influenza briefing with key HHS leaders

HHS Secretary Alex Azar was briefed on Wednesday on preparedness and response efforts for seasonal and pandemic influenza by Acting CDC Director Anne Schuchat, NIH National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec. This influenza season has been particularly severe, with hospitalizations reaching their highest levels since HHS began tracking such data closely in 2010 and simultaneous high levels of influenza activity in more regions of the country than usual. Schuchat reported on the status of seasonal influenza in the United States and pandemic influenza around the world, plus CDC efforts to monitor and coordinate reliable supplies of seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral drugs. Fauci discussed ongoing research efforts to develop more effective seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. In addition, Kadlec's report focused on efforts to develop and procure pandemic influenza vaccines in greater volume and with greater effectiveness. At the meeting, the leaders agreed to continue working together on this year's prevention efforts and noted several issues on which to coordinate in the future.