CDC Urges Most Vulnerable to Get H1N1 Vaccine November 8
It seems that the CDC may be facing as many problems dealing with the H1N1 pandemic as the rest of us. CDC director Thomas R Friedan MD, MPH made a point of reaching out to state and local health officials to help calm the public fears about availability of the H1N1 vaccine and it’s safety for those who receive it. The tone of the letter seems to make it clear the CDC faces its own problems in dealing with vaccine shortages and pandemic health issues.
Frieden praises efforts to reach out to the public and vaccinate those at highest risk such as special needs kids and pregnant women. He also mentions that the CDC has 35.6 million doses of the vaccine with doses on the way from vaccine manufacturers. This is quickly followed by an acknowledgment that demand still outmatched supply from vaccine makers. With this in mind those at highest risk should get continued focus for vaccination efforts. Pregnant women, healthcare workers, caretakers of infants too young for vaccination (under 6 months of age), those children and adults with health conditions like asthma and diabetes and those younger than 25 years of age.
Concern about the amount of the vaccine available and the level of infection has some worried while others avoid the vaccine feeling that it may be too dangerous to trust.
Tags: CDC, epidemic, H1N1, healthcare, swine flu, vaccine, vaciantion