Flu-vaccine makers toil to boost supply

Rationing the flu vaccine.

In October 2004, the CDC announced that Chiron Corporation, chief supplier of inactivated influenza vaccine for the United States for the 2004–2005 flu season, would not be providing the 50 million vaccinations it had promised—half of the anticipated 90–100 million doses from all sources projected for the flu season. The resultant shortage set off a firestorm of concern. Well known to health ca...

Malaria vaccine boost

For decades detailed molecular biology about malaria has been accrued: but, throughout this time, the most effective measures in regions where the disease is endemic have continued to rely on the chemical and physical methods of insecticides and bednets, with drugs available to people travelling to these regions. So the latest study to test a new malaria vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GS...

The quest for a H1N1 flu vaccine.

Swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, 1976 and now

No one really looks forward to getting a shot, but for the vast majority of people, vaccines are very safe. Some people experience mild side effects like soreness after receiving a vaccine, and rarely people report more serious problems. In your case, the best course of action is to tell your health provider about your previous symptoms, and then follow the provider's advice for future vaccinat...

Swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, 1976 and now

No one really looks forward to getting a shot, but for the vast majority of people, vaccines are very safe. Some people experience mild side effects like soreness after receiving a vaccine, and rarely people report more serious problems. In your case, the best course of action is to tell your health provider about your previous symptoms, and then follow the provider's advice for future vaccinat...