Minimal H1N1 vaccines leaves nation up in arms
Burke Reed
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: World
Wash those hands. The H1N1 swine flu outbreak is progressing at an overwhelming pace and the risks of exposure are starting to rise.
Two weeks ago, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, yet the pace of vaccine distribution remains stagnant.
During a press conference, the White House told The Chicago Tribune that Obama was "frustrated" with the delays.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the president is upset that thousands wait in line each day for a vaccine shot and, due to shortages, are turned away.
"The President is frustrated with ensuring that this vaccine is delivered on time, and won't be satisfied until those that want to be vaccinated from H1N1 have the opportunity to do so," Gibbs told The Chicago Tribune.
According to Politico.com, 1,000 people have died and the virus has hospitalized 20,000 people. The Center of Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) has warned people to take precautions during the fall season since they are more likely to get it.
CDC officials have also estimated that one in five children will show symptoms of the virus this month.
Federal officials had to cut down their estimate of how many H1N1 vaccines would be available from 40 million to 26 million doses available on October 30. The Health and Human Services Department had also predicted 20 million doses of vaccines would be produced each week. Their latest prediction is now just 10 million.
According to the Associated Press (AP), vaccine production is weeks behind and health officials blame pharmaceutical companies who produce both swine and other flu vaccines and the slow, antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs.
"We're in this race against the virus, and only Mother Nature knows how many cases are going to occur over the next six to 10 weeks," Michael Osterholm, a vaccine expert at the University of Minnesota told the Associated Press.
As a result of the delays, clinics with vaccines have been swamped and many states that had promised vaccinations are still empty-handed.
Two weeks ago, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, yet the pace of vaccine distribution remains stagnant.
During a press conference, the White House told The Chicago Tribune that Obama was "frustrated" with the delays.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the president is upset that thousands wait in line each day for a vaccine shot and, due to shortages, are turned away.
"The President is frustrated with ensuring that this vaccine is delivered on time, and won't be satisfied until those that want to be vaccinated from H1N1 have the opportunity to do so," Gibbs told The Chicago Tribune.
According to Politico.com, 1,000 people have died and the virus has hospitalized 20,000 people. The Center of Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) has warned people to take precautions during the fall season since they are more likely to get it.
CDC officials have also estimated that one in five children will show symptoms of the virus this month.
Federal officials had to cut down their estimate of how many H1N1 vaccines would be available from 40 million to 26 million doses available on October 30. The Health and Human Services Department had also predicted 20 million doses of vaccines would be produced each week. Their latest prediction is now just 10 million.
According to the Associated Press (AP), vaccine production is weeks behind and health officials blame pharmaceutical companies who produce both swine and other flu vaccines and the slow, antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs.
"We're in this race against the virus, and only Mother Nature knows how many cases are going to occur over the next six to 10 weeks," Michael Osterholm, a vaccine expert at the University of Minnesota told the Associated Press.
As a result of the delays, clinics with vaccines have been swamped and many states that had promised vaccinations are still empty-handed.
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george
posted 11/06/09 @ 4:32 AM EST
The government had every opportunity to relax the strict regulations on vaccine manufacture. The government could designate emergency manufacturing facilities and provide equipment. (Continued…)
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