FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), want input regarding who should receive flu vaccinations first in the event of a pandemic.

Experts say chances of a deadly worldwide influenza pandemic are increasing. An influenza pandemic could cause widespread disruption of work and millions of deaths.

An estimated 40 million people died in the 1918 Pandemic, 118 in Framingham where there were about 2000 cases.

Early in the outbreak, the U.S. will have a shortage of vaccine and will face tough choices about who to vaccinate first. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are conducting pandemic planning, which includes prioritizing the distribution of flu vaccine.

As part of this planning process, the MDPH is recruiting one hundred diverse members of the general public from across the state to give feedback on which population groups should be vaccinated first at a meeting on September 17, 2005 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

The meeting will be held at the Marlborough Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, conveniently located directly off Route 495 and the Mass Pike. Food and a certificate of appreciation from MPDH will be provided.

Please register to attend today by contacting Jennifer Coyle, the Project Coordinator, at: flu@catalyst-consulting.net or at: (617) 620-9615.

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