This conclusion is based on a retrospective review and analysis of the 2009 H1N1 �pandemic�.  It is easy, in retrospect, to second guess WHO�s decision to declare, in June, 2009, that the spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus was a potential public health emergency of international concern.  The overall severity of the �new� virus was not fully realized until the �pandemic� had peaked and by that time, the new vaccine that manufacturers had rushed to produce and deliver, was too late to have any significant impact on the �first wave� of influenza infections.  Without WHO�s declaration in June, manufacturers would not have rushed to produce the new vaccine!