Influenza H1N1 2009 in Canterbury: a case study in pandemic response co-ordination.

Background And Context: Reviews of overseas pandemic responses have suggested that stronger links between primary care and other parts of the health sector are required. The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 ('H1N1 09') pandemic was the first real test of New Zealand's pandemic preparedness.

Assessment Of Problem: In the six months from May to October 2009, there were 595 confirmed cases of H1N1 09 in Canterbury, with 187 hospitalisations and three deaths.