H1N1 Vaccines

What happens when a company, GlaxoSmithKline issues the advice "not to use one batch of swine flu vaccine?" Then you, being of sound mind, need to understand that someone is trying to tell you something of very grave importance. (The advice was extended to "Canadian Healthcare Professionals," not the general public).

Why would anyone want to not use all that is available when people are standing in line waiting for the vaccine that will potentially save their lives? The reason, "it may trigger life-threatening allergies." (reported in a Fox News Internet story, received through Associated Press--LONDON.) Go here to read it.

We are just receiving this today, however, it is old news, as the story broke on Tuesday, November 24th. It appears that "someone" at GlaxoSmithKline is morally, and legally engaged. Engaged enough to alert Canadian doctors of an outcome of serious nature. I give allot of credit to her, and her company for their courage, as I wonder, would all manufacturer's do the same?

Unfortunately, "the affected batch contains 172,000 doses." "7.5 million" were distributed in Canada. The next question is how easy is it to "recall" the affected batch? Do you know where the remaining doses are?

Gwenan White, spokeswoman for the company, revealed the mode of communication on November 18, 2009, saying, "GlaxoSmithKline wrote."

I hope that's not all they did, in this computerized age where communication is instantaneous. How long does it take to distribute 172,000 doses of the H1N1 in which people have been waiting to receive for months? How many people must be exposed to a potential danger before a batch can be considered life-threatening? How many professionals received the notification, or took it seriously? What was the time factor? How many were actually distributed?

Bottom line is: Do you know their is a risk associated with taking the H1N1 vaccine? How much has it weighed in your decision to receive it?