Digital illustration symbolizing pandemic preparedness.

Are We Ready? Gauging the Nation's Pandemic Preparedness

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"A 2015 report reveals strengths and weaknesses in US laboratory and epidemiology capacity to handle a major influenza outbreak."

The threat of influenza pandemics is a persistent concern for global health. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic and the ongoing emergence of avian influenza viruses, like H7N9, underscore the need for constant vigilance and preparedness. Understanding a nation's readiness is crucial for effective response strategies.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a comprehensive assessment called the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA) to evaluate the preparedness of the United States for the next influenza pandemic. This assessment focused on the laboratory and epidemiology capacities of public health jurisdictions across the country.

This article delves into the key findings of the PIRA report, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. public health system in detecting, responding to, and managing a potential influenza pandemic. By understanding these findings, we can better prepare for future threats and ensure the health and safety of our communities.

Key Findings from the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment

Digital illustration symbolizing pandemic preparedness.

The PIRA report, which included responses from all 62 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) awardee jurisdictions, revealed a mixed bag of capabilities. While many jurisdictions demonstrated strong capacities in certain areas, gaps remained that could hinder an effective pandemic response.

A significant portion of jurisdictions reported the ability to perform essential laboratory and epidemiology tasks. These included:

Differentiating novel influenza A viruses from seasonal influenza viruses.
Electronically transferring laboratory, surveillance, and case investigation data.
Transferring electronic death records.
Conducting surveillance for influenza-associated mortality in adults.

Despite these strengths, the assessment also identified areas where improvements were needed. A key concern was the ability of all jurisdictions to rapidly identify and characterize novel influenza strains. Ensuring that all states and territories have and maintain critical capacities requires additional planning and technical assistance.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Our Defenses

The PIRA report serves as a valuable tool for guiding future efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness in the United States. By addressing the identified gaps and building upon existing strengths, the nation can be better equipped to face the inevitable challenges posed by future influenza pandemics. Continuous investment in public health infrastructure, training, and research is essential to protect the health and well-being of our communities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1089/hs.2018.0021, Alternate LINK

Title: Pandemic Influenza Readiness Report On Laboratory And Epidemiology Capacity—United States And Territories, 2015

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Health Security

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Authors: Luis Lowe, Stephanie A. Dopson, Alicia P. Budd

Published: 2018-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA)?

The Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2015. It was designed to gauge the United States' preparedness for an influenza pandemic, focusing specifically on the laboratory and epidemiology capacities of public health jurisdictions across the country. Its goal was to identify strengths and weaknesses in the public health system's ability to detect, respond to, and manage a potential influenza pandemic.

Why is it so important to be able to tell the difference between novel influenza A viruses and the regular seasonal flu?

The ability to differentiate novel influenza A viruses from seasonal influenza viruses is crucial because it allows for the early detection and characterization of new, potentially pandemic influenza strains. This differentiation is essential for implementing timely and appropriate public health interventions, such as developing targeted vaccines and antiviral treatments, and enacting effective control measures to prevent widespread transmission. Without this capability, it would be difficult to distinguish between a regular seasonal flu and a potentially deadly pandemic strain, leading to delays in response and potentially more severe outcomes.

Why is electronically transferring data so important during a potential outbreak?

The electronic transfer of laboratory, surveillance, and case investigation data is vital for ensuring rapid communication and coordination among public health agencies during a pandemic. This capability enables real-time tracking of the spread of the virus, identification of high-risk populations, and monitoring of the effectiveness of interventions. The rapid exchange of information helps in making informed decisions and allocating resources efficiently. The transfer of electronic death records is another important aspect as it aids in monitoring the mortality rate associated with the pandemic and understanding its impact on the population.

What was a key weakness found in the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA)?

A key weakness identified in the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA) was the variable ability among jurisdictions to rapidly identify and characterize novel influenza strains. This means that not all states and territories had the necessary resources, training, or infrastructure to quickly detect and analyze new influenza viruses that could potentially cause a pandemic. Addressing this gap is crucial because the faster a novel strain is identified and characterized, the faster public health officials can develop and implement effective countermeasures, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs.

How does the Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA) help with future pandemic planning?

The Pandemic Influenza Readiness Assessment (PIRA) report guides future efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness by pinpointing specific areas where improvements are needed. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the public health system, resources can be directed more effectively to address gaps in capabilities. This includes investing in public health infrastructure, providing training to healthcare professionals, and supporting research to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments. Continuous investment is essential to protect the health and well-being of communities and to prepare for future threats.