| The fear of swine flu, the H1N1 virus, has decreased. | | | | Health authorities will direct vaccines to those at high |
| A few months ago, the swine flu pandemic was | | | | risk. These are pregnant women, health care |
| front page news all over the world. Everyone was | | | | workers, household contacts and caregivers of |
| worried that he might be struck by this dreaded H1N1 | | | | infants, children and young adults up to the age of 24 |
| virus. Many schools were closed and many people | | | | and adults with chronic medical conditions. Surprising, |
| avoided public places like the 'plague'. Experts, | | | | the elderly are not included in the high risk group as |
| however, warn us to brace ourselves for an | | | | H1N1 does not favor them. |
| avalanche of H1N1 this fall. Vaccine manufacturers are | | | | Will the vaccine be safe and effective? |
| working 'feverishly' to develop an effective vaccine. | | | | The government will try to ensure the vaccine is |
| Will there be enough vaccine for everyone? | | | | safe. However, like any new medication, sometimes |
| Not at first. Experts expect that 120 million doses will | | | | side-effects are not known until it has been in use |
| be available by October, hardly enough to cover all | | | | for some time. Vaccine effectiveness is tricky to |
| those at risk. In addition, this supply is less than it | | | | measure against viruses. If H1N1 mutates into a |
| appear since 2 shots will be recommended for | | | | different strain, as viruses can, then the vaccine may |
| protection. However, vaccine manufacturers may not | | | | not be as effective against it. Health experts will |
| need to cover all those at risk since, in the past, | | | | monitor the H1N1 virus very closely. Vaccine testing |
| most folks who need a vaccine or a screening | | | | on small groups will begin in the near future. |
| medical test don't bother to get it. For example, only | | | | Will the H1N1 vaccine take the place of the 'flu shot'? |
| 40% of Americans and 15% of pregnant women | | | | No, these are different viruses and your physician |
| who should receive the regular seasonal 'flu shot' | | | | may advise you to take both of these vaccines this |
| actually receive it. As H1N1 vaccine production | | | | coming fall. Keep in touch with your physician. If |
| continues over the next several months, there should | | | | advised, get vaccinated. Unfortunately, the majority |
| be enough for all those who need it and are willing to | | | | of Americans probably won't bother to get |
| receive it. | | | | protected. Don't follow the crowd. Roll up your |
| If there's not enough vaccine, who will the lucky | | | | sleeve and give it a shot. |
| winners be? | | | | |