11/6/09 Vaccine Shortages
In news reports today, there is continued discussion in regard to the current shortages of both seasonal and novel H1N1 vaccines. Experts attribute the shortage to a variety of factors in addition to increased demand, namely the fact that four of the five seasonal flu vaccine manufacturers licensed in the United States have plants overseas. CSL Ltd., for example, was called upon by the Australian government to keep its vaccine supplies at home. Despite the shortage, expects have seen no evidence yet of a greater danger from this year's seasonal flu and do not anticipate higher-than-normal death rates.
Mark M. Blatter, M.D.
Medical Director
Primary Physicians Research