Flu Vaccine Shortage...Again

Published on October 20, 2004 By MasonM In Current Events

Once again we are hearing that there is a shortage of flu vaccine. At one truckstop clinic I saw a big sign that read "No Flu Vaccine". When I inquired about this, they said all the available vaccine in that area had gone to m"ore important" local clinics.

I suppose that translates into "truck drivers aren't considered important even though they travel all over the country and are at extreme high risk of catching and spreading the flu from one end of the country to the other".

I guess since I have been ill with severe bronchitis this past week I am little touchy on that one.

My question is: Am I the only one who believes that they are creating an artificial shortage of vaccine just to drive up the price? How hard can it be to make enough of the stuff for everyone? I smell a rat. (At least I would if I could breath at the moment)

Comments

Myrrander

on Oct 20, 2004

You might be the only one who thinks this. An American company who had manufacturing facilities in Britain fucked up. The Bush administration is trying to fix it by importing vaccine from Canada. Making the flu vaccine takes 6 months time, because the virus is grown in chicken eggs, killed, then made into a vaccine for people. With that kind of time gap, what do you think?

MasonM

on Oct 20, 2004

Yes, I am familiar with the process, but doesn't it seem strange that this "shortage" has happened the last couple of years or so? I've read all the stories about why this shortage is supposed to have happened and what they are supposed to be doing about it, but I don't believe everything I read in the press. Especially when things just don't quite seem to add up.

Ok, maybe it IS just me. Putting my tinfoil hat back on now.

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