US media needled over flu vaccine shortage

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...

2004-2005 influenza vaccine shortage: Vaccine redistribution model.

The Monroe County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), in partnership with the Monroe County Medical Society (MCMS), developed a vaccine redistribution model to address the shortage of influenza vaccine during 2004-2005 by assessing the community's need among high-risk patients and establishing a system of redistribution. The target population was high-risk groups defined by the Advisory Commit...

A flap over bird flu

most of the year kept prospectors at bay, there was little to regulate. But as global warming thaws the ocean’s layers, oil giants, shipping companies and even the odd enterprising tourist operator are casting their eyes towards the high north. The biggest boom could be in oil and gas. The US Geological Survey surprised some experts when it declared that a quarter of the world’s undiscovered re...

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...