[H1N1 pandemic. Measures and experiences on the state level]. / H1N1-Pandemie. Maßnahmen und Erfahrungen auf Landesebene.

In order to establish a joint pandemic strategy, the German states ("Länder") together with the German federal government ("Bund") agreed on joint preparations for pandemic scenarios. This included the description of procedures, such as infection control measures, stockpiling of antiviral drugs, and contracts with vaccine manufacturers to ensure supply of vaccines in the event of a pandemic. The situation during the influenza H1N1 pandemic differed from that planned so that many short-term adjustments were required. It highlighted the need to make pandemic planning more flexible. In spite of several obstacles which had to be overcome during the situation, the states managed to achieve a relatively coordinated procedure and provided the availability of vaccines. In the course of the pandemic, gaps and shortcoming in existing surveillance systems were identified, which should lead to further improvements. A key point for future pandemic events is successful communication between all interested parties, especially with the medical profession, to increase the acceptance of public policies.

[First exchange of experiences concerning the H1N1 pandemic in Germany 2009/2010: report on a workshop held March 22-23, 2010, in Berlin]. / Erster Erfahrungsaustausch zur H1N1-Pandemie in Deutschland 2009/2010: Bericht über einen Workshop am 22. und 23. März 2010 in Berlin.

In April 2009 the first pandemic of the 21st century developed within a few weeks starting from Mexico. Its first wave reached Germany in autumn 2009 and was responsible for 1.8-3.5 million additional medical consultations. For the public health sector, this pandemic was one of the largest challenges of the last few decades. As a contribution to broader evaluations on national and international level, the Robert Koch Institute invited representatives from different professions involved in the pandemic response to participate in a workshop on 22-23 March 2010. This workshop was structured in short presentations, group work, and plenary discussions. Main experiences were that (a) pandemic preparedness was helpful, (b) the early warning systems were reliable, (c) vaccines were available within a few months, however, in limited amounts. Need for improvement was discussed for (a) effectiveness of vaccination logistics, (b) mechanisms for the reimbursement of the cost of vaccination, (c) availability of surveillance and monitoring systems, (d) integration of physicians in decision-making processes and health education, and (e) proactive communication strategies. Investments in the above mentioned areas can help to improve public health protection in the future.