The Shortage of H1N1 Vaccine in the US: Will Your Family be Denied their Swine Flu Shots?

Autumn is in the air. As the tree foliage begins to change colors, the evenings cool down and the days grow shorter, we are reminded it is flu season. This year, 2009, may prove to be ominous because of the swine flu - the H1N1 virus.

Many people, both in and out of the health services field, are extremely concerned about the shortage of H1N1 vaccine.

The US Health Department views the H1N1 virus as a serious public health hazard and has ordered 120,000,000 doses of swine flu vaccine. It appears, however, only 30%, or about 40,000,000 doses will actually be manufactured and available as the flu season begins.

What is the reason for the 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 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. What does this mean?

Clearly, 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.

Why are government officials so concerned? Because during this coming flu season, there may be anywhere from 30,000 to 90,000 attributed to the H1N1 virus, according to estimates by the White House Council for Science. This is why the H1N1 vaccination program will prove to be the greatest vaccination in history.

Are public health officials concerned? Naturally. They are worried that people that do not receive vaccinations will become ill...or worse. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, meaning the flu strain will affect the entire globe - not just the United States.

US health officials are striving to increase the number of dosages; they hope to have about 80,000,000 doses in the United States by early November, but that is well after the flu season begins. It is obvious there is a definite H1N1 vaccine shortage.

In the meantime, what can you do?

Make certain you take necessary precautions, especially when you are in public. Schools and large public buildings are areas where you are most vulnerable. Do whatever is possible to avoid being around people who are coughing or sneezing. If you become ill, stay home - do not expose others. And, of course, diligent hand washing and hand sanitizing should be practiced.

If you are concerned about the shortage of H1N1 vaccine, it is understandable.

Get a free copy of a 47 page report on "Surviving Pandemic Flu". This report will give you a real threat assessment and practical instructions on safeguarding your family. You can get your free copy by clicking the above link.