george conklin

Shortages again:

The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday that
they were exploring ways to import influenza vaccine from Europe and
redistribute supplies to meet any shortages in this country.

"We have a gap between what we wish we had and what we have," Dr. Julie L.
Gerberding, director of the centers in Atlanta, said.

Dr. Gerberding added that health officials were "just doing the best we can
to try to get vaccine to the people who need it the most."

A shortage seems to exist in some regions while supplies appear adequate in
others, she said in a telephone news conference. She did not specify the
areas.

Still, the director acknowledged that there was no way that the 185 million
Americans deemed eligible to receive flu shots would receive them. Drug
companies made 83 million doses for this season, a number based on demand in
past years.

hrubin

So? Do you expect a manufacturer to make more than twice
as much as the anticipated demand, based on past data?

From the figures posted, I would say that in past years,
only 40% of those eligible got the flu shots. Unlike
other vaccines, the flu shots are changed yearly, and
so they cannot just be stockpiled.

--
This address is for information only. I do not claim that these views
are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University.
Herman Rubin, Department of Statistics, Purdue University
hrubin@stat.purdue.edu Phone: (765)494-6054 FAX: (765)494-0558

george conklin

There seems to be enough of the new nasal spray vaccine, which also has
the right strains in it. However, it is limited only to a narrow part of
the age spectrum--those least at risk. Do you know why?

dwood78828

No.

I do find it interesting that little Bush is purchasing about 125,000 doses
from France but is not allowing them to bid on contracts with the rebuilding of
Iraq.

Denise

hrubin

When you have an immediate need, you use whatever source
is available.

--
This address is for information only. I do not claim that these views
are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University.
Herman Rubin, Department of Statistics, Purdue University
hrubin@stat.purdue.edu Phone: (765)494-6054 FAX: (765)494-0558

dwood78828

Really. I wonder how he is getting pass the FDA and their stance on the import
of foreign drugs. Vaccines are a drug. I think it is hypocritical of us to
purchase the vaccine from France but not allow them to bid on rebuilding
contracts in Iraq. Both use U.S.ax dollars. And that is one of the excuses
little Bush is using.


Denise

larry

What does either of these have to do with the other?

LT

dwood78828

Money Larry. Or do you think that France is donating the vaccine to us. And
where is the FDA. We can't import drugs from Canada because the FDA says they
cannot insure the quality of the drugs. Would you care to explain how the FDA
can insured the quality of France's vaccine?


Denise

larry

We do a very busy trade with the French, and have for many years.
Nothing uncommon there.

I don't know much about the FDA approval mechanisms n this respect,
and I doubt that you do.

Larry

george conklin

We have an immediate need not met by free enterprise medicine, but a
socialist system can save our necks. It must annoy you Herman.