FDA Approves New Swine Flu Vaccine

[Cherybaby]

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration approved the new swine flu vaccine Tuesday, a long-anticipated step as the government works to start mass vaccinations next month. Limited supplies should start trickling out the first week of October-about a week earlier than expected, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told Congress. Then about 45 million doses should arrive around Oct. 15, followed by more shipments each week.

She said they'll be available at up to 90,000 sites, including schools and clinics, across the U.S. that state health departments have chosen as best at getting the shots out fast.

Eventually, "we will have enough vaccine available for everyone," Sebelius said. Everyone who wants it, that is.

The government has ordered 195 million doses but may order more if there's enough demand, she said. Typically fewer than 100 million Americans seek flu vaccine every year, and it's unclear whether swine flu-what scientists prefer to call the 2009 H1N1 strain-will prompt much more demand. A recent Associated Press-GfK poll found 57 percent of people said they were likely to get it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090915/ap_on_he_me/us_med_swine_flu_7

[Cherybaby]

I don't know why they moved this post to this forum. I had it under world news at allnurses central because it is something that everyone should be aware of. Some people do not know this forum exists here.

Oh well. I'm sure someone already posted about this on this forum. Sorry for the repeat topic.

[lamazeteacher]

Thank heavens that 2 vaccinations aren't required for immunity!

Now more people at greatest risk can avail themselves of it! I haven't heard how the priorities are being handled, has anyone else?

[MikeyBSN]

That's great! Good thing the FDA didn't bother to test this thing for 10 years like it usually does before deeming a drug is safe for use.

[indigo girl]

The vaccine should go to those that want it.