# 3747
While I was out getting my seasonal flu shot (hint . . hint), this little piece of encouraging news came across the wires.
Developed Nations to Donate Swine-Flu Shots to Poorer Countries
By Phil Serafino
Sept. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Developed nations agreed to donate swine flu vaccine to poorer countries now that studies indicate one shot will provide protection from the virus.
France will donate 9 million doses, or about 10 percent of its 94-million-dose stockpile, to the World Health Organization, President Nicolas Sarkozy’s office said in an e-mailed statement today. The U.S. also will donate 10 percent of its supplies, according to a statement from the White House.
France, Italy, Norway, the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland are working together on the donation, according to the U.S. statement.
While 10% of the vaccine ordered by these developed nations isn’t enough to satisfy the needs of the developing world, it does represent tens of millions of doses that a week ago would not have been available to them otherwise.
Perhaps, if the uptake of the vaccine in developed countries is less than anticipated, we’ll see additional donations down the line.
But for now . . it’s a start.
Speaking of vaccines.
The Reveres at Effect Measure weigh in today on the rationale behind getting the seasonal vaccine, even though it isn’t clear how big a player the existing seasonal viruses will be this year.
Seasonal flu: Why I got vaccinated
While I’d intended to get the shot this year anyway, their arguments (and reminder) prompted me to go out and get my shot today.
One thing that I noticed is you you can’t drive 3 blocks in my town without seeing some Big Box store, some grocery store, or pharmacy offering flu shots. Makes it pretty easy.
Just do it.
