Better Swine Flu Distribution System in Europe November 7
Health officials in the United States can probably take a cue from what is being done in Europe in as far as the distribution and administration of swine flu vaccine is concerned.
In London, for instance, one will not see long, snaking lines of frustrated and disappointed people waiting to be vaccinated against swine flu. Doctor’s offices are not inundated with calls for vaccine. There are also no issues regarding seeming injustice as to who gets to get swine flu first. In North America, people have complained about the fact that bigwigs such as Goldman Sachs and Citigroup were able to acquire swine flu vaccine while community clinics still waited for vaccines to arrive. In Canada, professional hockey and basketball players were administered with swine flu vaccine before children.
European countries employed an approach that is the exact opposite of the free-for-all system being practiced in North America. Instead of announcing the availability of vaccines and launching campaigns to encourage people to get them, some European countries have decided to adopt a by-invitation system. Health officials in Britain, for instance, made a list of those who are to be prioritized for vaccination, and these identified citizens were sent notices. These include pregnant women, health workers, and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and AIDS.
Probably due to the fact that the cases of swine flu in European countries are not as widespread as those in the United States – Britain reportedly has an estimated 600,000 flu cases against the millions of cases in the United States – some Europeans have been relatively indifferent and unconcerned. There are those who have received notices to come in for shots who have opted to ignore these notices.
But then again, what works for one may not necessarily work for another. Whether this system will work in the United States cannot be assured at this time, although it does seem like the European system is more effective in reaching those who ought to be reached.
Tags: swine flu prevention, swine flu treatment, swine flu vaccine, swine flu vaccine distribution, swine flu vaccine supply
D Walsh Nov 7
The problems in North America are systemic and caused by the idea that good, efficient and effective health care is not a basic human right. Rather it is only those who can afford to pay that get the care, and even they can be denied care if their insurer as often happens, rufuses to pay. Thankfully in Europe our systems are based on clinical need.