Feb 8, 2010
California data show H1N1 vaccine safe
Statistics gathered by the California Department of Public Health show only three deaths among 13 million state residents who received H1N1 flu vaccine, USA Today reported. One person had preexisting flu and bacterial infections and one was a cardiac patient whose death was caused by cardiovascular disease. The cause of the third person's death is still being evaluated, state officials told the paper.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-08-Swineflu08_ST_N.htm
Feb 8 USA Today story
Parents still worry about vaccine safety
Parental concern about pandemic vaccine safety, despite the vaccine's good record, is still an obstacle to immunization, according to a survey released today by the University of Michigan. While about half (55%) of parents worried about their children getting the flu, more (65%) worried about vaccine safety. Pandemic H1N1 has been more deadly for children than seasonal flu, but pollsters said parents may not fully grasp potential illness severity. The January poll included 1,612 parents.
http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch/pdf/020810report.pdf
Feb 8 University of Michigan vaccine poll
Algeria seeks sharp cut in H1N1 vaccine order
The government of Algeria hopes to cancel three fourths of its order for 20 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, Agence France-Presse reported. The chief pandemic-flu official in the country's health ministry said Algeria has received 2.5 million doses already but has faced low acceptance of the vaccine, especially among healthcare workers. Algeria has seen 808 confirmed cases and 54 deaths.
Australian officials urge vaccination for children
The government of New South Wales says now is the ideal time for young children to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu, as the date for their return to day care or school approaches, the Australian Associated Press reported. Health officials expect Australia's second wave of H1N1 in the next few months, and this time, unlike in the first wave, there is vaccine available. Kerry Chant, chief health officer for New South Wales, said H1N1 is likely to be the dominant flu strain in Australia this year.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/protect-kids-against-swine-flu-doctors-urge/story-fn3dxity-1225827794739
Feb 8 AAP story
Respiratory disease increasing in Haitian camps
Respiratory disease is increasing in Haiti's refugee camps, though there has been no formal evaluation or lab confirmation of H1N1 flu, according to a report from the Global Health Cluster, a coalition of humanitarian groups working with the World Health Organization. The report, carried by ProMED-mail, says no vaccination efforts have been launched. With rains expected in March, the potential for flu outbreaks in the camps is moderate, the report states.
http://promedmail.oracle.com/pls/otn/f?p=2400:1001:4463174950116404::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,81236
Feb 7 ProMED-mail report
