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Countries in the northern
hemisphere are starting to distribute the H1N1 flu vaccine as part of a massive
immunization program against the viral pandemic. Parents and some professionals
are concerned about the safety of the vaccine, while some doctors question the
ability of hospitals to handle serious cases.
Demand for the H1N1 flu vaccine has drawn scores of people to vaccination clinics
in the U.S.
Pregnant women have a higher risk of complications from the H1N1. And at least
86 American children have died from the new virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control reports this new flu virus has spread
throughout most of the United States.
Still, some Americans say they will not get vaccinated.
Some are concerned about the safety of the vaccine because it has been produced
so fast, and because it contains a preservative that some parents say can cause
autism.
Dr. Anne Schuchat from the Centers for Disease Control says the vaccine is safe
and is also available without the preservative. She says:
"We are not cutting any corners in the safety of the production of this
vaccine or in the testing and oversight of this vaccine. And it's very
important that this process be done carefully and safely."
Public health officials and doctors are redoubling efforts to promote
vaccination as the best protection against H1N1.
Dr. Peter Holbrook at Children's National Medical Center in Washington says
people are mistaken if they think the flu is similar to a cold.
But "this is not a mild disease, it's a significant disease", he
said.
Dr. Holbrook says even mild cases cause serious illness and severe cases can
worsen rapidly.
Doctors are concerned that many hospitals may not have enough doctors or staff
to handle a major outbreak. Dr. Arthur Kellermann at Emory School of Medicine
is concerned about where to put patients who need intensive care. He says that "We need (to) prepare our
critical care units and our healthcare systems for the possibility of making
very tough choices about who gets into an intensive care unit and who does not
get into an intensive care unit."
If the H1N1 virus follows the course it took when it broke out last March, the
disease will peak and then fall off in roughly seven weeks. If that is the
case, Dr. Holbrook says it may already be near the peak in the United States.
But one thing all specialists agree on is a novel flu is unpredictable.
And there is not enough H1N1 vaccine to go around, even in the United States.
The World Health Organization says international donations of the vaccine
should arrive in developing countries in a few weeks.
