Friday, April 24, 2009

Prepandemic Vaccine: US Considering Prior Inoculation

April 24

"United States are considering prior inoculation of prepandemic vaccine for medical personnel", Ambassador Robert Loftis, the US Special Representative for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, told Thursday in a press conference held in Tokyo.

US currently stockpiles 29 million doses of prepandemic vaccine produced from H5N1 avian flu virus. “We are discussing whether we should inoculate medical personnel now. No answer has been made.” Ambassador stated.

US conducted prior vaccination in 1976 for fear of a flu pandemic but it resulted in problems probably caused by side effects. For that reason, many people in the world are cautious about prior vaccination. “We don’t forget the experience. However, vaccine with less adverse reactions could be developed now with the advancement of technology.” Ambassador added.
hat-tip SuperNova1987A

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