The Administration-That-Couldn't-Shoot-Straight now has a new solution to the flu vaccine shortage--the importation of experimental flu vaccine from Germany. CNN.com's instant poll, though unscientific, shows a 9-1 "no, i won't take it" result. That seems sensible for most people. I understand that some people are especially at high risk for flu, and for them the risk of an experimental flu vaccine may be preferable to the risk of contracting the flu. But that's a terrible choice to impose on people. And, as usual, in this Administration, no one pays for the disasters that follow poor choices.
Here is an excerpt from the Yahoo story:
The government will immediately buy 1.2 million doses made by GlaxoSmithKline Plc at a plant in Germany and distribute them to needy areas, Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary Tommy Thompson said. Another 2.8 million doses from the company are available for later in the flu season.
"With the latest purchase we will be able to protect more high-risk Americans this flu season in communities across the country," Thompson said at a news conference.
The government will pay Glaxo $7 per dose, Thompson said.
Because the vaccine, called Fluarix, is still considered experimental in the United States, patients will have to sign a form stating they know the vaccine may pose risks.