# 3551
Today’s news that not everyone in Canada who wants a vaccine will get one this fall should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following the vaccine story over the past few months.
Since early May, we’ve heard that the novel H1N1 virus doesn’t replicate well in eggs, and that antigen yields were `disappointing’. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve learned that the yield is anywhere from 50% to 75% below that which is seen with seasonal influenza vaccines.
So, while this shouldn’t affect the timetable of when vaccines will be available . . . it will affect the quantity that manufacturers can deliver.
Which means that in Canada (and likely in most countries that will be getting vaccine this fall), those at greatest risk will be prioritized to receive the shots first.
Authorities are looking at inoculating remote and isolated communities, health-care workers, those with pre-existing chronic illnesses, and people under the age of 50 first.
This from the Canadian Press.
There will be enough swine flu vaccine, but maybe not at first: health official
(CP)
TORONTO — Canadian officials are finalizing the number of doses of swine flu vaccine they expect will be enough to get the country through the upcoming flu season, ahead of a July 31 deadline for ordering the country's supply.
There will be a sufficient amount of vaccine for all those who want or need it, Ontario's chief medical officer of health said Monday, though she cautioned there may be a shortfall at first.
The initial amounts of vaccine will become available about mid-November, Dr. Arlene King said as public health officials from across Ontario met in Toronto to discuss pandemic preparations.
"It is important that we plan for the possibility that we're not going to have the amount that we need right from the outset," King said.
