It's a National Outrage that I can't get my kids a damn flu shot!

[trumad]

Everybodys out of the vaccine... My kids doctor, the county health departments, etc.... Ya gotta love this countries healthcare system!

[MSchreader]

1. I don't know

The radio news this morning is saying that the vaccine they're distributing now (and running out of) is mainly ineffective against the strain of flu virus that is going around this year -- it's too weak to fight it.

Martin

[eleny]

60. FWIW, my chiro nixes the vaccine

...for the same reason you state. She advised me that the vaccine went into production almost a year ago. Since the influenza virus mutates at a very fast rate, the vaccine available now probably would not be effective against the virus that's floating around today.

Husband and I are passing up the vaccine even though we're in Colorado, are over 50 and have had the flu in years past.

[AWD]

2. My Charlotte got the last one.....

...at her doctor's office. And everyone else is out here too.

[depakid]

3. FluMist may still be available

It's about $50 bucks a pop, though. Still, compared with a nasty H3N2 influenza A strain- like this year's, it may be worth it. I had the last nasty A strain when it went around in 1997-98 and it's an experience I recommend avoiding at all costs.

[bearfartinthewoods]

4. it's consummerism..supply and demand

in previous years they made X amount of vacine and just under x amount was used. this year they made x+y and X+Yx.3 is demanded.

it doesn't matter antway. it's a vacine for the wrong flu.

[depakid]

8. Actually, you'll get some protection

The strains are close enough that most people will build a significant immunity- which means that it may take more exposure to be infected and if you're infected the symptoms may not be as severe. The only problem with the mist (aside from cost) is that it's limited ot children over 5 and adults under 40.

Takes about 2 weeks to build up immunity- but come holiday travel time, look for this outbreak to spread bigtime.

[Kira]

5. Have you tried pharmacies near you.

Osco drug is giving them out. Good luck. I think Walgreens is too.

[Beaker]

6. if you snooze, you lose.

he who hesitates is lost, etc.
why'd you wait so long to get around to getting them shots? they've been available since October.

[beyurslf]

7. Thank you.

I had my flu shot second week of Oct. Wait till Christmas... chances are it may be gone.
Sure it reflects a poorly managed health care system... but did you just move here or something? Surely you knew it was poorly managed.

[Rose Siding]

11. If everyone went in Oct, they'd still run out!

Is it your suggestion that every person storm the clinic as soon as it opens? Only the fittest survive? I got mine so neener neener from way up here!?

Where's your compassion?

[Beaker]

16. I have plenty of compassion-

but I reserve it for the responsible parents who don't sit around for two months before thinking about getting their kids immunized.

As for running out- normally, they don't. In a normal year, they have vaccine left over that ends up getting destroyed...they have to make their best guess as to which flu strains to include in the vaccine and how much to make, based on historical trends...(I'd be curious as to whether this the first time that the original poster thought about getting flu shots for the family?)

[nonconformist]

52. Are you saying that parents aren't responsible unless their kids

got flu shots? I hope not.

I, for one, didn't get them for my kids. I researched and pro/conned it and discussed it with their doctor and opted not to get them. They've never received them before and are both under 9, so that means they'd need two shots this year, 1 month apart. Also, they're healthy kids that aren't in a high-risk category. The vast majority of flu deaths are the elderly and people with conditions that put them in a high-risk category (or both). As it's already been mentioned, it's not going to immunize from this latest strain going around - and is only 75% effective for the ones it does immunize against (this from my pediatrician). Lastly, there is a preservative used in flu shots that's no longer used in any other childhood vax's because of a link to autism. I weighed all the info and decided that it wasn't necessary for my children.

I didn't get one either (never have, although 1994 would have been a good year - I was death on crackers for weeks that winter), but my husband did because he really just can't afford to get sick enough to have to miss work. I think it's something that every individual needs to weigh and decide for themselves if it's necessary for them... if they did, perhaps there wouldn't be a shortage now. *putting on tinfoil hat* I personally think it's a scare tactic myself.

[Beaker]

62. It's the people who wait until the last minute-

and then declare it a "national outrage" because they can't get their kids a shot that's been available for the asking for the past two months that I have no compassion or patience for. All the moreso if this is the first year that they've made the effort or attempted to get a shot.

[Starpass]

9. Apparently, they still have the nasal variety available.

I shook my head when I saw this news because I thought to myself "I bet you could get a good deal on a smallpox vaccine, though"!!!

[Kamika]

10. I already had the flu

It's not that bad, only missed like 3 days

[depakid]

12. I seriously doubt that's influenza-

A-Fujian (this years H3N2) will put pretty much anyone down for well over a week with migraines, major pulmonary inflamation, joint & muscle pains, 103-105 degree fever w/chills & sweats and prolonged weakness. Even if you're in top shape, if you get influenza, it will probably be several weeks before you're back to full speed, assuming you don't get secondary case of bacterial bronchitis, in which case, count on it being months.

[Robb]

24. Bingo

I was in bed sweating for three days, topped out at 106 (eek... "ask me about God"), weak for a week, and today's the first day I've felt hungry.

This would be day ten, and I'm as active and healthy as anybody I know (which is more impressive if you know I live in a ski town).

Don't mistake the sniffles for the flu.

[Timefortruth]

47. What was your first symptom?

My friend is feeling like she was kicked in the chest, I want her to go get checked out and get one of the drugs, but she thinks she should wait.

[Minstrel Boy]

30. you're right - let's show the flu some respect, and call it influenza.

It's commonly mistaken for a bad cold until you actually contract it. Then, you'll never make the same mistake. I had it 14 years ago, and have never been so sick. It knocked me out for two weeks. It's disabling, excruciating, and potentially fatal even in the best of years.

[Kamika]

31. no it was the flue allright

I managed to work for like a week with my head killing me, and me sweating like hell before the doctor practicly forced my boss (dad) to give me some days off

[Robb]

32. I'll just call you

...my widdle vector. :silly:

[Bridget Burke]

50. You work in a Houston restaurant, don't you?

Thanks for the warning.

[bearfartinthewoods]

61. anyone else at your workplace get the flu?

just curious.

[Ilsa]

13. I got the Flumist yesterday.

How far away from south Texas are you?

Overall, I'm not sure the nasal spray is worth it. Today I have a case of slimey sinuses, very mild muscle aches. With the shot, I only hurt in one place, the vax site.

Did you know Flumist has a $25 rebate on it? They wanted $60 for the Flumist, but compared to $38 for a flu shot (doctors' office prices), it wasn't selling well, so they offer a rebate to equalize the price.

Trumad, I wish I could ship you the vax...(but then I'd be a pharmacy!)

[soup]

14. Grandson got his this morning-

Actually got 2. The influenza shot and one for pneumonia.

His pediatrician recommended both for him to help boost his immunity because the flu shot is not an exact match for the strain that's running rampant - does that sound right? Said still no absolute guarantees, but between the two, he'll be as protected as possible.

I'm not a medical person, but you may want to ask about the pneumonia vaccine, and if it would help at all, since the flu shot isn't available.

They gave my husband one a few days ago when he was at the VA clinic for an entirely unrelated reason. If there is a shortage, I don't understand giving it just because he's there. Given the choice, I know he would say 'if there's a child out there that has to go without for me to get this, I don't want it'.

Saw a report that Florida still has some supply left, but may have to redistribute to areas to cover where it's run out.

[trumad]

15. My understanding is that official Flu Season doesn't kick in

until Jan. So yah..I missed the boat on this one..:shrug:

[kentuck]

17. It's a shame every American that wants a shot cannot get one...

But, especially kids.

[Divernan]

18. Any Canadians on line? How's the supply up there?

After all the GOP ads/propoganda that the US health care system is better than Canada's and claims Canadians have to wait long times for appointments, surgeries, etc., I'd like to know how you all are doing re access to flu vaccines.

[zx22778a]

22. Mrs. zx22778a and I

got ours yesterday here in Ontario. Strange - didn't have to wait in line at all. Didn't cost us anything either.

[Bush loves Jiang]

19. *Waves Canadian flag*

Plenty to go around here.

Come on down.

[Divernan]

21. Thanks, I got mine last month. Don't you mean come on UP?

[Bush loves Jiang]

29. Whatever :)

You're still going to the same damn country.

[hertopos]

20. What ABC world news reported last night is distrubing...

They pointed out that creating vaccine is not profitable enough for big Corporations!!

This is something the government should intervine. But of-cause, our faux-government believe in 'free market maginc'!!


Hertopos

[trumad]

23. WHO: Flu Vaccine Shortage Only in U.S.

World Health Organization Says Flu Vaccine Shortage Is Only a Problem in U.S.

The Associated Press
he World Health Organization said Tuesday that it is aware of reports of flu vaccine running out in areas of the United States, but said supplies appear to be adequate around the world.

Spokesman Iain Simpson said the U.N. health agency had heard the Centers for Disease Control were looking into the possibility of a vaccine shortage in the United States.
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Living/ap20031209_1002.html

[htuttle]

25. The flu really only kills the poor

And it's clear the United States doesn't give a rat's ass about the poor, good Christian nation that we are.

I hate to be repetitive, but it bears repeating that 36,000 poor people die of the flu in the United States EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

And they have us all worried about Anthrax...whatta buncha dupes we are!

[redqueen]

57. media puppetshow

Yep... dupes indeed.

We should teach critical thinking in school.

[Ilsa]

26. Piles of shit like this keeping stacking up and

make me consider moving out of the US. "Blah, blah, greatest nation, blah, compassionate blah blah."

[Divernan]

27. So countries with SOCIALIZED medicine provide protection for all

their citizens, including the poor and the working poor.

[MassDem]

56. Many towns in Massachusetts

provide flu shots for free to residents. My town did that and they had three different days when you could go to a location and get the flu shot. Sometimes they only have it for the elderly population but this year they offered it to everyone who wanted it free of charge. I had my flu shot about a month ago through our town's program. But I guess many rightwingers would considered parts of Massachusetts to be "socialist" anyway!

[NNN0LHI]

28. I am with you on this one

There is no reason that with the money Bush and his minions piss away on tax breaks for the rich that the govenment could not make sure that there was a safe and effective supply of vaccine for everyone. This flu is killing kids for crying out loud. Where is Tommy Thompson at on this problem? On vacation again? WTF!

Don

[realFedUp]

33. you have to wonder how safe Republicans are keeping the country

when you can't get a flu vaccine.

[cryofan]

34. So-called "ineffective, socialized healthcare" of Europe has no shortage

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Israel, flu-shot clinics have been in full swing for weeks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This year, we received half a million of units of vaccination. There is for everyone.

COHEN: And the same in Germany and throughout Europe.

But in the United States, it's a different story. Most clinics aren't expected to start giving out flu vaccines until sometime in November. The vaccine's the same in the United States, Europe and Israel, so what happened?

One reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shut down vaccine manufacturing at Parkdale Pharmaceutical for safety violations. Parkdale was one of four companies making vaccine in the United States. And the FDA issued citations against another manufacturer, Wyatt Bearse (ph). A company spokesman said they got a late start in production while they corrected the problems.

Another reason, manufacturers all over the world say this year's strain of flu grew very slowly. According to one U.S. manufacturer, Europeans set space in their factories to compensate for the slow- growing strain, but American producers did not.

[ctex]

63. Maybe a lower percentage of people get flu shots in Europe

A better comparison would be the number of doses available relative to the population. I suspect few if any countries make enough units to cover 100% of their populations.

The "UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE" in Israel quoted above mentions receiving half a million units. FWIW this is only enough to cover about 10% of the population of Israel. If her number is right, there is NOT ENOUGH for everyone.

Last I heard the US produced 83 million units, or enough for about 30% of our population.

[Kurovski]

35. We were just talking about this last night

yet another way to create fear.

Honest to the Lord, the only thing this administration is good at is throwing the world into a panic and stuffing cash up its own ass.

[trumad]

36. kick

[RBHam]

37. Cure-all vaccines are a myth

They use a year old virus as a Vaccine for THIS year's virus. One, it won't stop you from getting this year's strain. Two, if you weren't exposed to LAST year's strain - now you will be.

As a matter of fact, there's a lot of compelling evidence that vaccines do more to spread disease than stop it. The pattern of AIDS infections in Africa closely parallels when WHO started their well-meaning but disastrous massive smallpox vaccination program in Africa.

[SoCalDem]

38. Are you near Canada?? Maybe a vacation there is in order..

This new flu is pretty scary.

[RBHam]

40. Hey SoCalDem

Take a look at this, and then decide if vaccines are what they say they are. (and how they are connected to to the AIDS pandemic and the current chem-trail spraying)

:tinfoil"?

http://www.prophecyandpreparedness.com/News/News13.htm

http://creativehealth.netfirms.com/aids.shtml

http://www.fortunecity.com/roswell/silbury/2/vaccine.htm

http://www.ufotv.com/aspages/gettypes.asp?schtype=conspiracy

[SoCalDem]

42. I have never gotten one.. They DO scare me

but if someone else thinks they work, that's up to them..

I really feel like we dodged a bullet when our kids were small.. They did get their vaccines, but what I have read lately, might make me choose differently if they were small now.:(

I have a friend whose autistic 14 yr old was fine until he got his:(

[RBHam]

43. exactly

The AMA REFUSES to do a study that could confirm a link to vaccines and autism.

Can you imagine the class action suits?

[blindpig]

39. do we really need this stuff?

I suppose a portion of the population(the elderly) might find it beneficial, although the older lady who works for me got her shot and now she's sick as a dog. Looks like another coporate scam to this old luddite. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[Stuckinthebush]

41. I don't know...

this one looks pretty nasty. I trust the CDC, and they advise vaccinations.

[Ilsa]

45. That would be the same CDC that

wants newborn babies, not in daycare, living with healthy families, to get the Hepatitis B vax even though it is sexually transmitted or bloodborne, and they have virtually no chance of getting the disease.

After the Hep B fiasco, I lost some trust for the CDC.

[RBHam]

44. There's also a Racist shade to flus

Spanish Flu, Yellow Fever, Hong Kong Flu, Peking Flu, Japanese Flu, Singapore Flu, West Nile Virus,etc. etc.

Why are all these viruses foreign? How come no one in China ever comes down with the "New York Flu" or "Caucasian Fever"?

As to why these instituional Doctors would go along with this?

Well, some find out what's going on and end up dead in bizarre circumstances.
http://www.rense.com/general18/five.htm

These scientist guys are so controlled, compartmentalized and specialized that its fairly easy to keep the whole agenda disguised.

And that agenda may have something to do with population control.

http://www.propagandamatrix.com/still_dont_believe_in_the_nwo.html

http://www.propagandamatrix.com/prisonplanet/analysis_patterson_011403_disaster.html

[Timefortruth]

46. What you should really worry about is the supply of antiviral

medicines. That is the real outrage. Why homeland defense doesn’t include protecting the population from viral diseases like the flu is beyond me. The pharmaceutical companies would get rich off it so it logically should be a Republican supported program.

[Robb]

49. Not so much

Retrovirals (amantadine, rimantadine or whatever) aren't too effective unless they get administered at the absolute initial onset of symptoms. Even then, they're really about shortening the time the virus takes to run its course.

Besides, unlike the vaccine antivirals can be produced quickly.

[eyeontheprize]

51. Really, I thought supplies were running out.

I guess most people seek treatment soon enough to have them work?

[diamond14]

48. bush* Homeland Security Program !!!! what if a terror bug got

loose in our country...this failure to handle the FLU is another clear indication that for more than TWO years, shrub has totally failed to fund a decent healthcare system and to protect Americans from bioterrorism...it's a HOMELAND SECURITY issue...and it is another major failure...

[HuckleB]

53. I can't think of a health care system where it would still be availabe...

under this year's conditions. In order for it to be available now, we would have to waste many dollars each year on vaccine that would never get used. Those dollars could treat other maladies, or go toward other vaccines. It's a difficult balance, and, unless we find a world of unlimited resources, sometimes events will tip that balance to a negative end.

[htuttle]

54. Look North

Canada doesn't seem to be having a problem with it. Nor does Europe, etc...

[HuckleB]

58. Perhaps...

Perhaps, but production equaled the previous record for distribution in the U.S. There is also a question of whether the flu has hit Canada as it has in the U.S. (It does not appear to have done so, as indicated by this Globe and Mail article: http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031208.wfluu1208/BNStory/Front/ where there is no mention of the flu hitting Canada like it has in the U.S.) It's the outbreak here that spawned the need for more vaccine. If Canada is not seeing the same run on vaccine because the flu hasn't hit there as it has here, the fact that they have some vaccine means very little. Normally, 80 million units is far more than enough in the U.S. Further, Europe is facing shortages in light of its own flu outbreak ( http://www.news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1257352003 , for example), as is the world, in general:

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4386,224056,00.html

Run on flu vaccine sparks global shortage

By Paul Zach

A RUSH for the flu vaccine has spawned shortages worldwide, including Singapore.

...

Supplies elsewhere in the world are also being rapidly depleted in the face of growing mass outbreaks across Europe and in the US.

...

In Japan, which also manufactures the vaccine, heavy demand has taken doctors by surprise. Already, 13.4 million vaccines have been distributed although total production for the year is estimated at only 14.8 million jabs.

China is also feeling the pinch. Its government had prepared 1.5 million flu vaccines this year, up from the usual 400,000. But at least one medical centre has reported it had run out of supplies.

Taiwan, too, has seen a run on flu vaccine stocks. Mr Yen Jer-chieh, the head of its Centre for Disease Control's vaccination department, said: 'Many people have called our office, complaining about the long waiting lines.'

As of yesterday, only seven hospitals in the island still had vaccines left. Taiwan does not produce the vaccines and relies mainly on Europe and the US for its supplies.

Taipei health officials said they were hard-pressed to meet the rising demand.

----------

I'm not saying we shouldn't look at what happened and work to prevent it in the future. However, if we are living in a system of finite resources, the balance will never be exact in every area of health care, regardless of the system -- and, believe me, I hate our system.

[Lefta Dissenter]

55. I got mine last Saturday

with about a half hour wait - at the grocery store! :) I THINK it was a nurse who gave it to me... but maybe it was the produce manager! Whoever she was, she did a good job, because it didn't hurt.

The price was $18, but some people had certificates for cheap/free - not sure where those came from.

[area51]

59. IMO it's a national outrage ...

... that the USA doesn't have universal healthcare. It's insane what the republinazis want to do w/our tax dollars instead of treating people w/diseases. We have healthcare for the wealthy, which is wealthcare.