Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2004

EDITORIAL
Flu vaccine crisis must be addressed

The critical nationwide shortage of flu vaccines received little attention during this week's presidential debates. But the contamination of nearly half of the 100 million doses required during flu season underscores our serious vulnerability and deserves more than a footnote.

A report last year from the federal Institute of Medicine warned of potential shortages in the supply because of the country's weak production and distribution network.

Just two drug makers, Chiron and Aventis Pasteur, provide the bulk of the flu vaccines for America. Drug companies don't make much on the vaccine and thus far have no incentive to produce it. But knowing that Americans require a predictable and steady supply, the federal government ultimately will need to pay more to boost production.

Roughly 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year, 200,000 are hospitalized and 36,000 die from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The national shortage has resulted in other vaccine suppliers cashing in on the crisis — charging hospitals, clinics and pharmacies as much as 10 times the normal cost.

We can do our part. If you are young and healthy, choose to forgo a vaccine this year. That will leave the short supply for folks who need it most, including the elderly and others who are more vulnerable.

Now it's up to federal health officials and the Bush administration to investigate the fragility of the system and stop the price gouging.