Allocating pandemic influenza vaccines in Minnesota: Recommendations of the Pandemic Influenza Ethics Work Group

A public–private, multidisciplinary work group developed recommendations for rationing vaccines in Minnesota during a worst-case influenza pandemic. The recommendations encompass an ethical framework of principles, goals, and strategies. The primary goal is to maximize Minnesotans’ chances of surviving both the pandemic and the years immediately thereafter and to limit two major causes of death: (a) influenza and complications of influenza, and (b) disruption of basic health care, public health, and public safety infrastructures. The work group also developed a sample rationing plan, but stressed that any final plan must reflect the best available evidence during an actual pandemic.