Jan 11, 2010
Groups encourage H1N1 vaccination
Thirty-seven US health groups today posted an open letter to Americans urging them to get an H1N1 vaccine. The letter, signed by leaders of the AMA, Red Cross, APIC, ASTHO, IDSA, and other physician, nurse, hospital, and other healthcare groups, says, "The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu."
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/open_letter_h1n1_vaccine.htm
Jan 11 letter on CDC site
Feds kick off flu vaccination week
National Influenza Vaccination Week launched yesterday with US Health and Human Services (HHS) director Kathleen Sebelius visiting a Baptist church in Washington, DC, in an effort to rally faith communities behind immunization efforts. The event is designed to raise awareness of flu complications and promote post-holiday vaccination. Officials are highlighting different risk groups each day of the week, with today's messages aimed at healthcare workers and the general public.
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/01/20100108a.html
Jan 8 HHS press release
Ohio sees low vaccine uptake in risk groups
Pandemic flu vaccine uptake in Ohio's high-risk groups has been low, according to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Only 20% of those at high risk for flu complications had been vaccinated through the end of the December, according to data from public records. For example, fewer than 2 in 10 of the state's pregnant women had gotten their dose. As of Dec 30 the state had distributed 4 million doses and administered 1 million.
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2010/01/post_24.html
Jan 10 Plain Dealer report
Aid group says flu spreading in North Korea
H1N1 flu is continuing to spread in Pyongyang, North Korea, prompting the closure of day care centers and kindergartens, an aid group called Good Friends reported on the UN-sponsored ReliefWeb site. Quoting an unnamed official, the report said some children have died and severe winter weather has worsened the situation. The group also said flu medications sent from South Korea have been used mainly in Pyongyang, with little reaching the provinces, where the virus is also spreading.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-7ZK4V5
Jan 9 Good Friends report
European group to air H1N1 vaccine controversy
Later this month the Council of Europe will debate charges raised by one of its health officials that vaccine makers manipulated governments to buy stockpiles of pandemic vaccine, the London-based Guardian reported today. Weak demand for the vaccine amid waning flu activity and the need for just one dose have left many countries with surpluses. However, some experts warn another wave of infections could sweep the globe, with more months remaining in the Northern Hemisphere's flu season.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/11/swine-flu-h1n1-vaccine-europe
Jan 11 Guardian story
Azerbaijan receives donated vaccine
Azerbaijan has received its first shipment of donated pandemic vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a press release. It will receive a total of 860,000 doses. The inactivated adjuvanted vaccine made by Glaxo will go to healthcare workers, pregnant women, people with chronic lung conditions, and children ages 14 to 17. Meanwhile, the WHO sent Nepal five sets of intensive care equipment to help treat severely ill H1N1 patients, Himalayan News Service reported yesterday.
