H1N1 (aka Swine Flu)

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, recently encouraged Americans to get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available. The government, through the coordinated efforts of the CDC, White House, and other agencies, has published the website Flu.gov to inform Americans about flu prevention, treatment, and more.

Multiple congressional committees have held hearings on H1N1:

"H1N1 Flu: Protecting Our Community" (Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, September 2009)
"Preparing for the 2009 Pandemic Flu" (House Committee on Energy and Commerce, September 2009)
"The Swine Flu Epidemic: The Public Health and Medical Response" (Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, April 2009)

So how well is the government doing in responding to the pandemic? The Government Accountability Office has released two reports in response to that question:
"Influenza Pandemic: Continued Focus on the Nation's Planning and Preparedness Efforts Remains Essential"
"Influenza Pandemic: Gaps in Pandemic Planning and Preparedness Need to Be Addressed"

And for the inside scoop on H1N1, look at the report that Congress recently requisitioned from the Congressional Research Service:
"The 2009 Influenza Pandemic: An Overview" (released September 10, 2009)