H1N1 (Swine Flu) Preparedness

C-Span is the source of raw news I go to on a daily basis. Today I watched testimony about H1N1 preparedness (or the lack thereof) and how it can be improved upon in the future.


From C-Span today 

Traditional methods for producing the H1N1 vaccine, based on growing influenza cultures in eggs, have led to supply shortages, manufacturers claim. Representatives from Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis Vaccines USA and other vaccine makers joined public health officials in a House Energy & Commerce Cmte. hearing on delays in the production and delivery of the H1N1 vaccine. Washington, DC

House Committee Energy & Commerce | Oversight and Investigations House Committee Energy & Commerce | Health

Two House Energy and Commerce Subcommittees held a joint hearing to examine the federal government’s preparedness and response to the H1N1 swine flu virus and to get an update from vaccine makers on its production and distribution. Panel one included government health officials, and panel two consisted of H1N1 vaccine makers and state health .. Read More

Hearing Panel One 

Hearing Panel Two 

Opening Statements

Public Health Strategy - H1N1 Immunization Clinics

Being a child of the 1950's and 1960's, I became accustomed to lining up once a year at school to receive a polio shot.

Polio immunization 1956 

Past seasonal flu seasons have hit older Americans the hardest with about 30,000 deaths annually. Pandemic flu epidemics seem to affect the young and healthy, too.

Swine flu (H1N1) 2009  seems to be more dangerous for those born after 1950; and especially so for those 6 months to 24 years of age.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

I can't help but wonder why the limited supplies of vaccine haven't been distributed, free of charge, to local school districts nation wide, as it seems likely that school children are bringing the flu home to their parents and siblings.

Contact your state or local public health officials for current information on H1N1 immunization opportunities.

Find your state public health contact information

here.

   

H1N1 (Swine Flu)