H1N1: One year later

Washington D.C.

-- One year ago today, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of a new virus, H1N1, had reached pandemic status. Where do we stand now?

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), response to the virus has strengthened the nation's public health system, but there's still work to be done.

About 80 million people have been vaccinated, the CDC says, and the outbreak has increased awareness about preventing the spread of the flu.

Still, southeastern states have seen an increase in reported cases and hospitalizations for H1N1 this month, and the organization says it will work to mitigate the increase and focus on vaccination as the key to preventing the disease.

Other goals the CDC will strive to achieve this year:

> Increase domestic vaccine production

> Expand school-based flu vaccination programs

> Increase flu vaccine uptake in communities with historically low vaccination rates

> Incorporate 2009 lessons learned into planning for future pandemics and flu seasons

The CDC also recommends vaccinations for those who have not already received them. Click here for the latest information on the flu.