The Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act is a bill introduced on October 5, 2005 by U.S. Senators Harry Reid, Evan Bayh, Dick Durbin, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama, and Tom Harkin in response to the growing threat of an outbreak of avian influenza. The bill calls for:

• Preparing for a pandemic by finalizing, implementing and funding pandemic preparedness and response plans.
• Improving surveillance and international partnerships to monitor the spread of avian flu and detect the emergence of a flu strain with pandemic potential immediately.
• Protecting Americans through the development, production and distribution of an effective vaccine.
• Planning ahead for a pandemic by stockpiling antivirals, vaccines and other essential medications and supplies.
• Strengthening the public health infrastructure.
• Increasing awareness and education about pandemic flu.
• Devoting adequate resources to pandemic preparedness. (^*)

United States Senate | Pandemics | Influenza | H5N1