As part of its planning for a possible outbreak of pandemic influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with the Ethics Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee to the Director, CDC to identify ethical considerations relevant to public health decision-making during planning for and responding to pandemic influenza. Kathy Kinlaw was a key member in the structuring of this document.

CDC requested that the Ethics Subcommittee provide input on ethical considerations in vaccine and anti-viral drug distribution prioritization and in the development of interventions that would limit individual freedom and create social distancing.

The resulting document, Ethical Guidelines in Pandemic Influenza, provides guidance that the Ethics Subcommittee proposes serve as a foundation for ethical decision making for pandemic influenza.

CDC recognizes the importance of having ethical perspectives provide practical assistance to those involved in the pandemic influenza planning and response process. Thus, they welcome your input on this document.

For further information, see their website at http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/phec/guidelinesPanFlu.htm