Assessment tool for influenza preparedness in European countries – with a main focus on pandemic preparedness

The first edition published in 2005 has been improved and developed in the light of experience acquired in earlier assessments. This tool and the procedures described in it provide a mechanism for the assisted self-assessment of national pandemic influenza preparedness by national authorities using a standard framework. The aim of the assessment tool is to allow EU and EEA countries to work with an ECDC team to achieve the following objectives: 1. To self-assess their influenza preparedness using a common European Framework - with the main focus on pandemic preparedness - but addressing also protection against human seasonal influenza and preparedness against transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza to humans; 2. To determine baselines of influenza preparedness and response, or to determine progress made since any earlier assessments; 3. To identify strengths of current influenza preparedness but especially to focus on areas where additional strengthening is needed and so make recommendations for future work; 4. To identify areas where support from the ECDC or other partner agencies should be requested.