Website of the Department of Health

UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee

Experts all around the world share the view that a global pandemic of influenza could emerge and could cause millions of deaths. In the UK alone, a pandemic could affect around a quarter of the population and cause over 50,000 deaths. It is not possible to predict when this will occur, but the warning signs are increasing. It is therefore imperative that the UK puts in place its preparations for an influenza pandemic, and does this whilst there is time to develop resources as best possible.

The UK Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan, published March 2005 provides a framework for the United Kingdom's (UK) response to a pandemic (and is available at www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu).

A key aspect of the Government's response recommends the establishment of the UK National Influenza Pandemic Committee to provide specialist advice to the UK Health Departments on the health response during an influenza pandemic