Did I blink and leave the United States? - UPDATE, p. 2, post 29

[Andy B]

I'm so frustrated right now. I totally understand the H1N1 flu vaccines have a back up - but the regular flu now too? And, according to my pediatrician's office, it's because the company(ies?) who are making the H1N1 also make the regular and are putting the regular vaccines on the back burner and not sending them out. This is the second visit to my doctor's office that has been cancelled. And my 20 month old is in daycare and gets EVERYTHING and has problems with ear infections, so the last thing I need is for him to get the flu too! Is anyone as frustrated as I am?

Why does this lead to the leaving America comment?

 

[Ilike2Lurk]

Ilike2lurk - I'm not sure why you think the US should be the only country to get the vaccine? I did Google it - It says a French drug maker makes 40% of the world's supply of vaccine, and the other companies are all international - only 10% to other countries you say? The US does not have 90% of the world's population.

I am sorry, you misunderstood me. I meant to say 10% of the USA’s vaccines have been promised to other countries. OUR meds have been offered (as a "DONATION")to others, because that is how we roll We often take care of others while we suffer here. We build new schools for other countries, while ours decay. We feed others, while we have our own hungry. And now, we will give our medication to others, while we have a shortage.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/boo...wine-flu-vaccine-to-developing-countries.html


Weird.

 

[aprilgail2]

Yesterday I was in walgreens and they were giving them out then I went to the food store and they were giving them out...I got mine yesterday at work, I was number 457 in line and plenty more behind me and we all got them too.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Why does this lead to the leaving America comment?

I guess I just meant that I can't believe in the U.S. I can't get the flu vaccine for my child - it just seems shocking to me.

 

[LisaR]

From what I can tell, there are plenty of seasonal flu shots available for adults. All CVS and Walgreens have plenty in stock but they are for 18 and older only. In my county, our health department has chosen to not even give out seasonal flu shots this year. Finding the shots for children seems to be a complicated task.

What I find strange is that everyday I read that LESS people are getting the flu shot this year. In the Detroit News today it says 40% in MI will not be seeking the seasonal flu shot. Two days ago, I read a similar figure for Missouri.

 

[clori]

I had my drs appt last night. I could have gotten the seasonal flu vaccine the but I already had it at the walk in flu clinic since dh wanted one too. The H1N1 vaccine was in stalk but they are just giving it to kids ages 3-9 plus people with severe issues on a 1 to 1 basis.

 

[golfgal]

I guess I just meant that I can't believe in the U.S. I can't get the flu vaccine for my child - it just seems shocking to me.

Even in the US the manufactures can't perform magic. The vaccines are just now (in the last couple weeks) rolling off the production line. They will have them, unfortunately the flu is hitting hard before the vaccines were ready. There isn't anything anyone anywhere can do about that.

 

[DawnCt1]

It's a manufacturing capacity issue. Pharmaceutical and biological products manufacturing facilities and production lines have to be approved by the FDA and it's a lengthy process. There's no short way to expand production capacity to be able to make both types of vaccine at the same time. So while they were working on the H1N1 "master seed", the manufacturers were cranking out seasonal flu vaccine, but then cut production over once the H1N1 vaccine was approved. They understandably opted to go with the vaccine that works against what's deemed to be a larger human health threat.

Exactly. And if it is available at commercial outlets, why not get it there. DS and I got ours at Stop and Shop. $20 with a Stop and Shop card and less than a copay to the doctor's office.

 

[RadioFanatic]

UPDATE - I just called my kid's doctor this am on a fluke and they have the vaccine! YEAH! She asked if I was available at 1:30 p.m. and I said I would be! One less thing to worry about! Happy Birthday to me!

 

[Va-bear]

UPDATE - I just called my kid's doctor this am on a fluke and they have the vaccine! YEAH! She asked if I was available at 1:30 p.m. and I said I would be! One less thing to worry about! Happy Birthday to me!

MAJOR congrats!!!!! I know that is a relief - I felt the same when my sons got theirs!