Lessons relearned? H1N1, COVID-19, and vaccination planning

Abstract

Myriad challenges are presented by COV ID-19 vaccination planning. While COVID-19 and H1N1 are different viruses, many of the issues in H1N1 vaccination are applicable to COVID-19. Leaders and policy makers should apply what was learned from H1N1 to current COVID-19 planning, including a genuine and committed effort to support vaccination operations and logistics that fully engage at both the pre- and postdecisional levels, local, state, territorial, and Tribal health authorities, developing a shared information exchange pathway and common operating picture to guide efforts at all levels of government, a robust communications campaign to promote vaccine uptake especially in communities we can anticipate will be hesitant or refuse vaccination, and engage community stakeholders in planning efforts as true and trusted partners. There is tremendous pressure on public health officials to safely and efficiently deliver an effective COVID-19 vaccine. Let's not relearn the lessons of H1N1 again; let's apply them to our COVID-19 vaccination planning now.