Antiviral Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
Guidance on the Use of Influenza Antiviral Agents
The information on this page should be considered current for the 2016-2017 influenza season for clinical practice regarding the use of influenza antiviral medications. Also see the current summary of recommendations available at Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians and a list of related references at Antiviral Guide References.
Links on this page contain excerpts from Antiviral Agents for the Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis of Influenza – Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). PDF Version [1 MB, 28 pages]
Licensed vaccines and drugs, or approved therapeutics and medical devices treat, prevent, or mitigate disease. If an emerging public health threat is identified for which no licensed or approved product exists, the Project BioShield Act of 2004 authorizes the FDA Commissioner to issue an EUA so appropriate countermeasures (e.g., distribution of unlicensed antiviral medications) can be taken quickly to protect the safety of the U.S. population. Specifically, these countermeasures can facilitate the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of serious or life-threatening diseases, or for conditions caused by chemical, biologic, or radiologic agents for which no adequate, approved, or available alternatives exist. CDC in conjunction with NIH provides expert consultation to the FDA Commissioner regarding the appropriateness of EUA requests and supports the distribution of products stored in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) formulary [234]. EUAs in effect during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic have expired because there is no longer a declared emergency.
- Page last reviewed: November 3, 2016
- Page last updated: October 21, 2016
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
- Page maintained by: Office of the Associate Director for Communication, Digital Media Branch, Division of Public Affairs