Public Health

Public Health  /  Public Health newsroom  /  News digest

FDA Approves Four H1N1 Vaccines to be Available Next Month

In anticipation of an H1N1 flu virus outbreak, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced the approval of vaccines created by four drug manufacturers, CQ HealthBeat reports. The approval of the vaccines by CSL Limited., MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur Inc., follows just days after the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases announced that the H1N1 flu vaccine produced sufficient immunity in a single, safe dose. The federal government has contracted to purchase 195 million vaccine doses from manufacturers, with 45 million doses expected to be available in mid-October for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, young people between 6 months and 24 years, and health care workers. The vaccines, which will be available at up to 90,000 sites, will be offered at no cost, although Sebelius noted that some health care providers may charge an administration fee. Although Sebelius stressed that "there will be vaccines for everyone" once they become available, HHS continues to recommend vigilant hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes (Attias, CQ HealthBeat, 9/15/09 [subscription required]; Heavey, Reuters, 9/15/09; Los Angeles Times, 9/15/09 [registration required]).

Public Health news digest

My presentation builder (beta)

You have not collected any slides or slideshows for your presentation. Learn more about the presentation builder and search for slides on our Web site.