LOS ANGELES (YBH) – With vaccine manufacturers having to alternate production between seasonal flu vaccines and one for swine flu (H1N1), there is a shortfall of vaccine expected to last through December. Of a projected need of 114 million swine flu doses for this season, only 87 million have been shipped.
Cases of H1N1 have been reported in 41 states, a speedy spread which marks a remarkably early flu season.
Swine flu vaccine shortage predicted.
Vaccines are grown in egg cultures; in the case of H1N1 vaccine, there is a markedly slow growth which is affecting production times. The effectiveness of a vaccine can be increased by the addition of adjuvants, chemicals which boost immune system response in vaccine recipients.
The U.S. FDA has not requested adjuvants be added to vaccine doses. Some of those reluctant to get vaccines believe the chemical is toxic, causing an accelerated immune response which cannot be “switched off.” Some medical experts dispute these assertions.
A patient infected with H1N1 virus faces greater risk of pneumonia, as the flu strain burrows deeper into the lungs than conventional, seasonal flu. Warning signs for the need for serious medical intervention in flu-infected patients include: blue or gray-tinged skin tone; relapse after seeming recovery – an indication of developing pneumonia.
Still-porous borders between the United States and Mexico concern many, as vaccination availability, and general public health differentials, mean swine flu containment and isolation will be difficult at best.
About half of the 86 swine flu deaths reported since April have been in teenagers.
Related posts:
Laura spent years as a Hollywood story analyst, did a big 180, and is now an entrepreneur focused on web marketing and analytics. She's also a mom of one.Laura Glendinning article archive.
