Fears about the swine flu vaccine coupled with some degree of complacency among the public, as well as “swine flue info overload” have resulted in a far fewer doses of vaccine having been administered than health officials feel desirable, despite recent widespread availability of the H1N1 vaccine.  Officials continue to worry about the evolution of a ‘3rd wave’ of the flu as we move through the winter months and into the spring.  Immunization is the surest way to both prevent the flu and to limit its ability to spread among the population over time.  Recent recalls, which have NOT been related to safety, have added to some negative perceptions about the vaccines in general. Weighing risks and benefits of any medical treatment or procedure are always warranted.  However, all are urged to review the available safety data, which has grown substantially indicating that the H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective . . .

Pandemic influenza vaccine is getting much easier to find but more than half of American adults say they still don’t want it, and one-third of parents say they don’t want their children to get it either, according to two surveys. As of this week, 111 million doses of vaccine against the pandemic strain of H1N1 flu have been released to states and cities. Not all of it has been used. There have been no unusual or unexpected vaccine side effects reported. About 44% of high-priority adults, and 55% of all adults, said they did not intend to get the vaccine. About 35% of parents said they would not get it for their children. About 60% of parents cited the vaccine’s safety as their main concern.

More vaccine but fewer takers, H1N1 surveys indicate – http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203418.

Poll finds drop in public concern about swine flu – http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjdCHrP82YTFser5vD6CzTK1az6wD9

Voluntary Non-Safety-Related Recall of Specific Lots of Nasal Spray Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 Influenza – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/sprayrecall_qa.htm