Govt Calls for Volunteers to Test Swine Flu Shot
Thousands of people across the country have dealt with the H1N1 virus. What you might not know is part of the search for a swine flu vaccine is happening right here in Rochester.
Medical researchers at Rochester Clinical Research are testing new vaccines. They say they are talking with several major pharmaceutical companies that eventually want to distribute the product and stop the swine flu outbreak.
Even though the initial scare has passed, health officials say the H1N1 pandemic is far from over.
“All the experts are telling us it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” says Michael Brennan, a nurse practitioner and sub-investigator with R.C.R. “We haven’t seen the last of this yet. The best defense we can have is a safe and effective vaccine.” Full Story and Video
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The last time the government embarked on a major vaccine campaign against a new swine flu, thousands filed claims contending they suffered side effects from the shots. This time, the government has already taken steps to head that off.
Vaccine makers and federal officials will be immune from lawsuits that result from any new swine flu vaccine, under a document signed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, government health officials said Friday.
Since the 1980s, the government has protected vaccine makers against lawsuits over the use of childhood vaccines. Instead, a federal court handles claims and decides who will be paid from a special fund.
The document signed by Sebelius last month grants immunity to those making a swine flu vaccine, under the provisions of a 2006 law for public health emergencies. It allows for a compensation fund, if needed.
Immunity encourages vaccine-makers
The government takes such steps to encourage drug companies to make vaccines, and it’s worked. Federal officials have contracted with five manufacturers to make a swine flu vaccine. First identified in April, swine flu has so far caused at least 263 deaths, according to numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. Full Story
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60 minutes – SWINE FLU VACCINE WARNING – Part I
60 minutes – SWINE FLU VACCINE WARNING – Part II