internationalsos.com - Press releases

International SOS to host Webinar on pandemic preparedness

WHO:  Experts from International SOS, the world’s leading provider of integrated medical, international healthcare and security assistance services, will discuss the recent discovery of a new strain of bird flu and review the preventative measures that should be taken in light of the news.

• John Oxford, Ph.D
  Scientific Director of Retroscreen Virology, Ltd., Professor of Virology at St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London

• Doug Quarry, MBBS, MSc
  Medical Director, Medical Information and Analysis, International SOS

WHAT:  The recent FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) notification of a strain of bird flu (H5N1) not prevented by current poultry vaccines has sparked worry about the implications of the virus should it spread among humans. This news has added fuel to an already active discussion in pop culture of deadly viruses, spurred by the new  film "Contagion,” opening in theaters September 9. Real and cinematic scenarios alike have prompted some organizations to reconsider and revamp their plans and procedures for an infectious disease outbreak affecting communities and employees on a global scale. Prof. John Oxford, who recently held international discussions with experts who are examining this recent development, will join Dr. Doug Quarry to discuss the following topics:

• What is the real risk of another influenza pandemic? Has it increased?
• When might the pandemic occur?
• How severe might a bird flu H5N1 influenza pandemic be?
• How prepared are we as a nation, and internationally, for a deadly virus?
• What extra precautions should travelers and expatriates take when visiting / living in affected countries?

Following the discussion, webinar attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A session with the keynote speakers listed above.

WHEN:  Friday, Sept. 9, 2011
               11 a.m. EDT

HOW:    Follow this link to join the webinar. 
               If you are unable to attend, use this link to request a recording, to be emailed no later than three business days after the webinar.
 
WHO:  Human resources, security, risk and safety, travel, medical and business continuity professionals will benefit from this webinar.

MORE INFO: For more information, please contact:

Erin Giordano
+1-215-942-8078
erin.giordano@internationalsos.com

Meghan Moran
+1-202-828-5068
meghan.moran@fleishman.com

About International SOS
International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, and security solutions to organizations with international operations. Services include planning and preventative programs, in-country expertise, and emergency response. A global team of 7,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides health and security support to enable its members to operate wherever they work or travel. Members include 69 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.