Weekly Analysis 5- Assignment 5-1

If the term H1N1 commonly known as swine flu, does not concern you, you may want to get checked. President Barack Obama declared the fast-spreading swine flu a national emergency Friday night, a move that authorizes federal officials to waive some requirements in dealing with the virus, such as letting hospitals set up separate facilities to keep patients with the virus from infecting others (Politico, 2009). The new release of the vaccine to help prevent people from getting sick from the virus has recently been released and is in high demand. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as of October 21, 2009 has allocated 14,070,900 doses being sent all around the U.S., with the most being sent to the states with the highest risk. For example considering California borders Mexico and is a largely populated state it has currently received 1,309,100 doses, while Ohio has only received 434,500. The demand severely outweighs the supply.

One major question people currently are seeking is the vaccine safe? According to the CDC it is, and they urge all high risk people to receive the vaccine when they can. Others may be a little more sceptical, considering how recently the vaccine has come out, and don't want to be part of the first wave to get the vaccine in case it does have negative side effects. I would like to explore further into the vaccine to clear any questions people have about the swine flue. I am also the type of person to first question before acting and with my wife working at a hospital and having a 2 year old daughter I want to make sure the decision we make is the right one.

The vaccine is made by growing samples of flu virus inside fertilized chicken eggs, then breaking out the key proteins that provoke an immune response. Then they are purified, tested and packaged into syringes for distribution around the country (Los Angeles Times, 2009). If a person is allergic to eggs, than they may be at risk for serious side affects to the vaccine. Another thing people need to keep in mind with the shortage, is for children under 9 to be completely protected they will have to receive the vaccine twice. So already there are certain issues that people need to understand and be educated on before they get the vaccine. One other thing that is commonly confusing people is that receiving the H1N1 vaccine doesn't protect you from the seasonal flu virus. In order to be protected by both swine flu and the seasonal virus, people need to receieve both vaccines.

I think the warnings about the vaccine are primarily a scare tactic, and from what I have read, I don't think there is too much to worry about a healthy person going and getting vaccinated. The risk involved in getting the vaccine seems clearly lower than actually getting H1N1, which could turn out deadly. Currently pregnant women are the priority because their immune systems aren't as strong while they are carrying the baby, and it is highly recommended that all pregnant moms receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn child. Healthcare workers and children are also a priority. It is expected that there will be enough 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for anyone who chooses to get vaccinated. The US federal government has procured 250 million doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine (CDC.gov, 2009).

Precautions are understandable, but swine flu isn't going to get better before it gets worse, and in order to keep it from taking more lives I think it is best that we all receive the vaccine when we can. The best thing anyone can do before they decide for themselves or their children is to educated themselves about the vaccine, and realize that it isn't as new as you might think. It is made just like the seasonal vaccine just with a trace of the H1N1 virus. There is a shot and a nasal spray, and it is important to understand which is best for you. Having precautions about something new and so serious is completely understandable. Educate yourself, understand what your best option is, and if its not a risk get the vaccine to protect yourself and the people around you.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, October 16). Questions and Answers. Retrieved: October 28, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

Martin, J. (2009). Barack Obama: Swine flu a national emergency. Retrieved: October 28,2009, from http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28683.html

Roan, S & Kaplan, K. (2009). Decisions surround swine flu vaccine. Retrieved: Octrober 28, 2009, from http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/29/science/sci-swine-vaccine29