posted on October 18, 2004 08:25:38 PM new
Seniors Urged to Relax Over Flu Vaccine
1 minute ago Health - AP
By MITCH STACY, Associated Press Writer
TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary Tommy Thompson said Monday that enough flu vaccine will be available for most people who need it and told seniors to stop standing in long lines to get a shot.
"We want people to relax," Thompson said at a news conference. "The flu season is not here."
Seniors around the country have been standing in lines at shopping plazas to get flu shots since news of a shortage surfaced this month. British regulators shut down shipments from Chiron Corp., which had made millions of flu shots earmarked for the U.S. market. The shutdown cut the U.S. supply of flu shots almost in half.
Thompson said the flu vaccine supply will be reallocated to parts of the country where it is needed most. Seniors and very young children are most at risk for severe complications from the flu.
"We are looking all over the regions to find out where there is a shortage, and we will redeploy the resources to make sure the seniors get the vaccine first," he said. He noted that 91 percent of flu deaths last year were people 65 or older.
Thompson advised people to first seek the shot from their doctor or a clinic. If that fails, they should contact the CDC in Atlanta, he said.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites), said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that only a few cases of flu have been reported this season, and that 20 million doses would soon be available for seniors.
"We are reassuring people that vaccine is on the way," she said.
Last week, however, Gerberding had said it was unlikely all high-risk people who want a flu shot would be able find one.
In Atlanta on Monday, Dr. Mitchell Cohen, director of the CDC's coordinating center for infectious diseases, said the current vaccine "will be distributed over a six- to seven-week period, so we have some opportunity to identify those areas" that need supplies "over the next week or so."
He said his staff was continuing to compile supply reports from each state but declined to name places that were low on flu shots. El Paso, Texas, reported late last week it ran out of vaccine; the township of Bloomfield, N.J., created a lottery to distribute 300 remaining shots.
In San Francisco on Monday, a group representing the nation's emergency room doctors called on Thompson to convene a "crisis summit" of federal agencies and health professionals to plan guidelines in case of a possible flu epidemic.
"We believe our nation faces the potential for a public health disaster this flu season," said Dr. Arthur Kellerman, a member of the board of the American College of Emergency Physicians (news - web sites), which was holding its annual meeting.
"The combination of the vaccine shortage, more than 80 million Americans at high risk of flu complications, and a nationwide emergency department crowding crisis means American's emergency physicians and nurses are faced with the prospect of the 'perfect storm' — a surge of critically ill flu patients and no resources to care for them," said Kellerman, who also chairs Emory University's Department of Emergency Medicine.
Thompson said the number of manufacturers must be increased. For that to happen, Congress must remove liability for vaccine makers and the government must commit to buying millions of doses every year so the producers are assured of a "ready market," he said.
Thompson said there are still 20 million doses for seniors and 4 million doses for children that are being shipped out at a rate of about 3 million per week.
posted on October 19, 2004 05:28:32 AM new
That's the truth, twelve.
And I'm sure all will noteL He noted that 91 percent of flu deaths last year were people 65 or older. And realize that was WITH the flu shots being quite available.
It's also VERY true that the more government regulation the lefties demand...the more this is going to happen.
posted on October 19, 2004 05:03:28 PM new
Great news for you guys! September mom is right. There will be no shortage because Canada will be sending you the needed flu shots. So you get your oil and now drugs from Canada... interesting.
posted on October 19, 2004 06:07:44 PM new
Well Kraftdinner it shows us that you feel that countries shouldn't share. What would happen if your country went to war. Wouldn't you expect the US to help you?
If the Canadians have extra and will not be used do you feel that they should just let it expire or throw it away?
Your pharamcies are thriving because the US citizens are buying their drugs from Canada but of course you can't see helping others is the way to go.
But then again with your dual citizenship if Canada was in this trouble you can just go to the US and get your shots.
posted on October 19, 2004 06:38:16 PM new
What this bush lie machine forgot to tell the American people was that we were suppose to get 48 million flu shots from England. Now the bush lie machine is trying to cover up a poor plan with no backup by saying good news America is getting 2.6 million more flu shots in the next several weeks a little at a time. BY JANUARY. Of course they don't want to see the pictures on TV of desperate people standing in line for a flu shot. It makes bush look bad.
ITS ALL JUST ANOTHER BUSH/CHENEY LIE TO COVER FOR A POOR PLAN WITH NO BACKUP.
THESE BUSH/CHENEY GUYS WANT TO TREAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE LIKE A MUSHROOM. THEY WANT TO KEEP US IN THE DARK AND FEED US MANURE.
posted on October 19, 2004 06:55:50 PM new
Bigpeepa wake up. Evidently you don't understand, you never will so why explain it.
If you are a high risk patient go to your Physician and get your shot.
Explain to me how many seniors received flu shots last year and how many passed away?
oh wait.......
He noted that 91 percent of flu deaths last year were people 65 or older. (This is from the OP) How many of these had flu shots? I bet a good many of them because anything that is free or almost free the seniors are first in line.
There are so many flu strains and from what I can remember the flu shots given last year didn't even cover most of the strains.
posted on October 19, 2004 07:07:57 PM new
Septembermom, I think it's great - so do most Canadians (we love sharing). What's weird was the hesitation on the U.S.'s part to acquire these shots because of our supposed third world drugs. No good yesterday - OK today. Weird.
posted on October 19, 2004 07:30:50 PM new
According to a news article I read yesterday, but I can't find it today, they said that before Canada can send their flu vaccine to the US it has to pass certain standards and that a limited supply, if passes, will be sent. Yes the US has standards and they have had them for years. Can you imagine the law suits that the US would have. I understand that Canada has to take care of their population first. Remember the US is noted for the Malpractice law suits and if something should be wrong with the strain then Canada would be liabel also. It's just for protection. I think it would be great if there is extra in Canada that they send it but I don't want people to get the shots that don't need them. I didn't get a shot last year and I didn't get the flu. I am healthy and I will save my dose for a young child in need as they are the future of America.
posted on October 19, 2004 07:50:20 PM new
Septembermom, Its you that is sleeping not me. I'm wide awake and can see right through people like you that are part of the bush/cheney lie machine. This problem should never have happened. Bush knew about this problem his entire term AND DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. Now you bush supporters are trying to cover-up for your failed leaders mistakes I find pathetic. Yes people are going to die because bush did nothing nothing and more nothing. Even the bush lie machine Thompson said there will be enough vaccine for most of the needy not all.
What about the people that won't die but didn't want to be sick this winter and loose work time and money.
What about your precious industries how much money are they going to loose from workers sick time. I could go on but I am afraid I am talking to cold hearted brick wall not a human.
posted on October 19, 2004 09:31:02 PM new
Bigpeepa there you go assuming something you know nothing about. NO NEED TO SHOUT!!!!!!
We (everyone) are not deaf in this Round Table. It doesn't get your point across any more than Linda, Twelvepole, kiara, helen etc. We are all just peas in a pod trying to get a point across without shouting.
How do you know who I am for, you don't so button your lip. For all you know I am voting for Nader and what's it your business anyway.
What about the people that won't die but didn't want to be sick this winter and loose work time and money.
What about your precious industries how much money are they going to loose from workers sick time. I could go on but I am afraid I am talking to cold hearted brick wall not a human
These are your statements. First of all they are not my precious industries. If they were I would not be in here or also selling on eBay. We are talking about flu shots for the elderly in this thread. If a person who is working and is healthy they should be okay. If the elderly (over 65) are working and in ill health they will get a flu shot. If this is you, see your Physician. Flu isn't the only thing that can happen. i.e. a cold, broken bone, stroke, a fall in the bath tub, funeral of loved one all those take away from work time also and in case you don't know it there is no shot for that. You are an unreasonable person and are unable to post on a discussion board in the proper manner.
And there you go again calling me a cold hearted brick wall not a human. You seem to call names often if someone doesn't agree with you. I can walk, talk and discuss something more rational than you. Name calling is something you do all the time as I have noticed when I read this board. Why not post facts and not what you think.
[ edited by Septembermom on Oct 19, 2004 09:34 PM ]
Yes I agree the position on using the Canadian vaccine is somewhat strange at the least. I live on the US/Canadian border and watch CBC and CTV. I don't see horrendous news stories about Canadians who die from using the vaccine that their government supplies to them.
It seems that Bush wanted to make sure they were "safe" to use. I wonder if that could be a ploy to deviate attention from the real issue of non supply to meet American needs.
Another lie from the Bush Cheney lie machine.
Septembermom, you are on ignore with me. I would rather not hear what you have to say on any issue. There are enough idiots here already.
Bigots are miserable people. Prevent Bigotry through Education.
posted on October 20, 2004 05:38:27 AM new No Flu Vaccine Shortage At Capitol
While many Americans search in vain for flu shots, members and employees of Congress are able to obtain them quickly and at no charge from the Capitol's attending physician, who has urged all 535 lawmakers to get the vaccines even if they are young and healthy.
posted on October 20, 2004 12:04:09 PM new"Septembermom, you are on ignore with me. I would rather not hear what you have to say on any issue. There are enough idiots here already."
Yeager, I was laughing so hard at your post last night, I had to lay down from stomach cramps.
Twelve, the vaccine has been approved for U.S. use so people don't have to rush to the border. It'll be interesting to see if our other third world drugs will also become acceptable, or if Bush will continue to mother the drug companies. The way I see it, he's painted himself into a corner with this issue.
posted on October 20, 2004 12:56:17 PM new
Tommy Thompson said that they have been planning for a crisis like the flu vaccine since 2001. He also said that there have been ongoing negotiations about the vaccine with Canada for sometime. Health Canada wasn't even notified until the day before the debate and it was the flu vaccine company in B.C. that initiated talks with the FDA.
If approval for the vaccine is given fairly quickly with FDA approval the government is most likely worried that it will set a precedent for approval of prescription drugs from Canada. They will no longer be able to keep hiding behind the "unsafe drug" screen, claiming that it may take a long time for FDA approval.
posted on October 20, 2004 03:00:18 PM new
"Septembermom, you are on ignore with me. I would rather not hear what you have to say on any issue. There are enough idiots here already".
Laugh all you like kraftdinner I see the idiots have followed you in here. Kraftdinner, Helen and Reamond including yourself. Soon the rest will follow. It's a game of follow the leader of the liberal posters in here who think their lord and savior is John Kerry.
posted on October 20, 2004 03:27:00 PM new
YKS! I will admit I was wrong. But I just heard on the news that seniors crossed the border into Ontario for their flu shots and were wew charged $40.00 a shot.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The person who has nothing for which he is willing
to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
--John Stuart Mill
Prevent Bigotry through Education.