Frustration looms as H1N1 vaccines run out

A mother of 3 was not able to get the H1N1 vaccine for her children ,who at school are exposed to the virus, because it was not available. This just begins the many frustrations of the dwindling supply of the vaccine. This mother expresses that the health officials knew that millions would come to recieve the vaccine and they knew the population before delivering it. Therefore, there is no logical explanation as to why people are not able to recieve it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress that manufacturing has just fallen behind. The expected 40 million doses by the end of october has only reached about 30 million. Almost everywhere in the U.S. the vaccine is running out and in demand. Just over one thousand American adults were surveyed and asked whether the swine flu vaccine is safe or not. Roughly 49 percent said it was while 43 percent said it was not. Because the vaccine is in such high demand and short supply some hospitals and clinics are finding themselves turning patients away, only injecting those in need of the vaccine. These people include: pregnant women, ages 6 months to 24 years, and those with other serious or long existing health issues. Some private schools are also unable to provide the shots for its students. While some stress that anyone who wants a shot or spray should be allowed to get one, others declare health officials are doing all they can to keep the vaccine coming in and giving as many patients as possible what they want.

I am still personally deciding whether or not to recieve the swine flu shot or nasal spray. I feel as though it could be in my best interest to take the next step in preventing myself from becoming ill. I believe that the health associations are doing whatever they can to increase the process of distributing vaccines. Many are complaining about the shortage, but really what can be done? Of course, they could have looked at the population and been more accurate with their vaccination numbers but they didn't know the shots would be in such demand. I also believe that health proffesionals wanted to get the vaccine out as early has possible to prevent any more cases or deaths. This was very clever in their part. The people are complaining about not having shots, but they wouldn't have them anyways if the manufacturers would have waited to release the vaccines until a higher number was ready. I wonder how well this vaccine really works. Is it really going to prevent me from getting terribly ill or am I just being presented a fake placebo? I strongly agree that people should not be turned away at the door, but rather all wanting the vaccine should recieve it despite its numbers. Just because their immune systems have fought through other flu cases doesn't mean they are immune to H1N1. I encourage an increase in the speed of manufacturing of the vaccine and get it distributed as soon as possible.



http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/23/h1n1.vaccines/index.html?eref=rss_topstories