Administration flu plan draws criticism

The media focused on the details of the Bush administration's plan to fight a potential H5N1 pandemic yesterday. Reaction was largely mixed, with Democrats calling the plan inadequate and most Republicans in Washington calling it a good start. The official government estimate that an influenza epidemic could infect three quarters of the US population and kill as many as 1.9 million Americans led the headlines.

Some observers worry that the hospital system could be completely overwhelmed in the event of an outbreak and are calling for government aid to build up surge capacity. Also creating controversy: plans to decentralize decision-making authority, leaving key decisions regarding vaccine distribution and quarantines in the hands of local officials.

- see this article from The New York Times

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