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August 7, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Flu Vaccine Worries Fade; Focus Shifts to Future"
American Medical News Online ( www.amednews.com ) (08/12/02);
Elliott, Victoria Stagg
Between 92 million and 97 million doses of influenza vaccine are
expected in the United States this year, a record, and public
health officials and providers of the vaccine are cautiously
optimistic about preparedness this season, since many
distribution problems seem to be solved and the public health
concentration is moving toward getting more people vaccinated.
Nonetheless, some are still worried about potential production
changes or instabilities, including the departure from the market
of one of the three vaccine manufacturers, though none of them
say they plan to do so. The low number of manufacturers is a
constant concern, and the loss of one could cause turmoil.
Manufacturers are more willing now to share information of
problems with production. Meanwhile, the inhaled vaccine FluMist
is under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review.
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