Management of the influenza pandemic on a local health authority level

In most cities and districts, the influenza pandemic of 2009 could be handled without any restrictions in providing medical care or any disturbance in public life. Despite its relatively mild course, the local public health services reached their limits of capacity. Based on nationwide regulations, the local management determines the success of the measures. Evaluating the experience on the community level offers the chance of facing future pandemics more efficiently. Press conferences, press releases, and the internet are the most reliable tools to inform the public even in terms of personnel expenses. Telephone conferences and internet platforms help to reduce time-consuming meetings. An electronic database and logbook provide up-to-date information for all parties involved and allow quick, rational, coordinated, and transparent decision-making. Local evaluation of registration data, reports on cases of illness, and the availability of hospital beds on a daily basis allow intervention at an early stage to cope with the pandemic efficiently and helps save resources. Recruitment of external personnel, e.g., for the call center and the vaccination campaign, relieves the public health employees in charge with respect to their main tasks of directing and management functions.