Swine Flu
Delay in Swine Flu Vaccine Makes Epidemic More Dangerous
Health officials have warned the public that stocks of swine flu vaccine will be scarce for at least the next few weeks.
Delays in the production of the swine flu vaccine means that only 28 million to 30 million doses will be distributed throughout the country by the end of the month, not the 40 million-plus the states were expecting. The new count from the CDC makes it likely that many flu-shot clinics will have to postpone their programs.
The delay in producing the H1N1 vaccine also stymies efforts to blunt the rising number of infections. The H1N1 flu has caused widespread illness in 41 states and approximately 6 percent of all visits to the doctor are for flu-like illness. Such levels that are normally not seen until much later in the autumn.
States had ordered 8 million of the 11.4 million doses of swine flu vaccine the government is ready to ship as of Wednesday. About half of the vaccine doses are now available as a shot and the rest as a nasal spray. Those who have priority in getting the scarce vaccine include pregnant women, anyone age 6 months to 24 years, health workers and people younger than 65 years with compromised health.
The CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat urged patience, saying eventually manufacturers will make enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.
Across the country shipments of seasonal vaccine aren’t arriving at clinics as quickly as expected either, as manufacturers are falling behind because of the extra work. Approximately 82 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine has been sent, and 114 million will eventually arrive, enough for a typical flu season, Schuchat said.