Rethinking Flu Vaccine Messaging

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...

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...

Ethics of rationing the flu vaccine.

IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT THE CENTERS FOR Disease Control are seeking ethical guidance about the rationing of flu shots this year (“Ethicists to guide rationing of flu vaccine,” J. Couzin, News of the Week, 5 Nov., p. 960). They should also be seeking ways to reduce the scientific uncertainties that make this ethical question difficult. For example, how effective is the influenza vaccine in differ...