Autumn is in the air. As the tree foliage begins to change colors, the evenings cool and the days grow shorter, we are also reminded it is flu season. The year 2009 may prove to be ominous for influenza because of swine flu, or the H1N1 virus. Many are concerned about a shortage of H1N1 vaccine.
Because of the serious threat posed by this strain of flu, health authorities are on alert. Unfortunately, however, the US health department reports that 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine will be required to protect the population. Only one third of that number will be available in October when flu season begins!
What is the reason for this shortage? Dr. Robin Robinson, of the US Dept of HHS (Health & Human Services) was quoted in REUTERS (8/18/09) as stating: “We're trying to bring on more manufacturing...hopefully there are ways to bring that number up.”
The United States Dept of HHS is attempting to add new manufacturing companies because the logjam seems to lie with current capacity.
As it now stands, there will be a shortage of H1N1 vaccine, and the supply will be inadequate to cover the population. Some type of rationing will be put in place, with the first inoculations going to the people most in need of them. This group includes pregnant woman, children below age four, and public health workers.
How serious is the problem? Even though the H1N1 vaccination will be the largest in human history, the White House Council for Science has estimated that there could still be 30 thousand to 90 thousand deaths resulting from the swine flu strain during this 2009 flu season.
Are public health officials concerned? Naturally. They are worried that people that do not receive vaccinations will become ill, or, even worse, casualties of the influenza.
The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, due to the world wide reach of this flu strain.
It definitely appears there is a serious H1N1 vaccine shortage.
Even though health officials advise the dosages made available in the US should grow to about 80 million by early November, that still leaves clearly one third of the population exposed after November, and two thirds exposed during October, when flu season begins.
As we go into this flu season, avoid public places like schools and large public buildings if you possibly can. Do your best to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Practice ritual hand washing with soap and hot water. When a sink is not available, use hand sanitizers. And if you become ill, stay home! Isolate yourself or your sick family members so that they will not infect others!
Get a free copy of a 47 page report on Surviving Pandemic Flu, which includes more information on the
shortage of H1N1 vaccine, and how it affects your family.
You may download your free copy right now by visiting:
http://www.aboutthefamily.com/familyhealth/swine-flu-pandemic
Every parent owes it to their family to be well informed on pandemic influenza because it could save not only your own life, but the lives of your family members and loved ones.
Terry Fallon writes features and articles about family health, happiness and well being.
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