State Dept. of Health epidemiologist Michael Wade poses at the agency's office in Indianapolis, Dec. 14, 2006. State health officials, and those nationwide, are working to prepare their communities for an influenza pandemic like one that killed millions worldwide in 1917-1918, a repeat that federal officials warn is a matter of when, not if.
Alabama state emergency planner Kent Speigner inspects medical supplies stored at a warehouse Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, in Montgomery, Ala. The state, as well as the rest of the country, are in high gear preparing for a possible pandemic, stockpiling medical supplies, conducting drills, and creating educational materials in hopes of lessening the devastation of a deadly flu outbreak or other disasters.
Alabama state emergency planner Kent Speigner inspects supplies stored at a warehouse Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, in Montgomery, Ala. In addition to supplies needed to deal with a possible flu pandemic, the warehouse also contains stockpiles to deal with other disasters or bioterrorism.
Microbiologist Beth Weiman, left, performs a rapid test for influenza A Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at the Communicable Disease Laboratory of a state Department of Health lab in Seattle. Washington state officials are working on how best to spend the approximately $7 million this year to prepare for a possible flu pandemic, and say the lessons they have learned will help them with any disaster.
Residents enter a fire station in Bloomfield, N.J., to get flu shots Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006. While the flu shots will protect them this year, the day was a drill for health officials, who were practicing how they would administer mass vaccinations if a flu pandemic ever occurred.
Residents register to receive flu shots at a fire station in Bloomfield, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006.
Kenneth James, 85, gets a flu shot from nurse Lisa Gearhart in Bloomfield, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006. While the flu shot protects James this year, the day was a drill for health officials, practicing how they would administer mass vaccinations if a flu pandemic ever occured.
Microbiologist Misty Long prepares a sample of flu virus for viewing through a microsope Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at the Communicable Disease Laboratory of a state Department of Health lab in Seattle. Washington state officials are working on how best to spend the approximately $7 million this year to prepare for a possible flu pandemic, and say the lessons they have learned will help them with any disaster.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks at the Illinois Pandemic Influenza Readiness Summit March 17, 2006, in Rosemont, Illinois. Federal and local officials gathered at the summit to address preparedness and discuss planning protocol for any possible influenza pandemic.