The shortage of H1N1 vaccine is over,

[Lionel Mandrake]

at least in LA County.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/la-opens-up-distribution-of-h1n1-flu-vaccine-to-the-general-public.html

After reading this story, I called the offices of two of my doctors. The operator at one doctor's office said yes, we have shots for our patients, but you have to talk to xxxx about that. Then she transferred me to xxxx's voice-mail. The other doctor's office similarly transferred me to a busy signal. I went over and demanded an appointment. I was told to wait two weeks. When I wouldn't go away, she gave me an appointment in one week, which i will cancel only if they start answering their fucking phone. Why would I want to cancel? Stay tuned.

I found a CVS "Minute Clinic" with a sign saying H1N1 shots only for priority patients (pregnant women, children, etc.) I signed in anyway and pointed out that nobody else was waiting, which suggested that almost all priority patients who want the shot have already gotten it. I mentioned that the LA County Health Dept. was recommending that shots be given to all who want them. The nurse practitioner hadn't heard the news, but he gave me the shot.

The swine flu epidemic is still going strong, and nobody should have to wait any longer for the vaccine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It's about time there was enough.

Congrats on your success, due no doubt to your persistence...

Time now for everyone to have that flu shot.

[Lionel Mandrake]

2. We have Australia to thank for the delay.

It's summertime in Australia, and H1N1 flu epidemic there is less serious than it is here. Nevertheless, Australia kept for its own use the vaccine that should have been supplied to us.

The following article sheds some light on the matter:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/health/05flu.html

"The drawback of relying on foreign plants was made clear recently when the Australian government pressured CSL to keep its vaccine at home instead of fulfilling its contract for 36 million doses of swine flu vaccine for the United States."

Many Americans have been hospitalized and some have died as a result.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I wonder if the Australians realize the consequences.

I can understand their reluctance to ship the vaccine to us...

But what happened to honoring the contract?

Those deaths are on their heads.