U.S. gets 9 million more H1N1 vaccine doses

UPDATED:

The United States has an additional 9 million H1N1 vaccine doses ready for distribution this week to help ease fear and frustration among Americans waiting for hours to receive vaccinations at clinics across the country, top U.S. officials said Wednesday.

“We know people are frustrated by waiting in line and by the uncertainty,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, who joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a Washington press conference.

Officials said in late summer — as the potentially deadly flu sharply re-emerged after appearing in late April — the United States would have about 40 million doses by mid- or late October.

However, roughly 11 million were distributed last week, with officials saying the manufacturers were too optimistic about meeting the demand. Roughly 150 million doses are needed to meet the U.S. demand, according to the federal government.

Mrs. Sebelius said the United States now has 23 million doses ready for shipment and has ordered 250 million, though just 100 million Americans annually receive a seasonal-flu shot.

She also said the federal government knew it could not meet the first wave of demand, in part because the five manufacturers had only four months to develop of vaccine, which she again said was safe.

The press conference was the first for Ms. Napolitano and Mrs. Sebelius since President Obama on Friday declared a state of emergency. The declaration allows the government to cut through red tape to speed up the government’s response.

The flu is now widespread in 46 states and has been connected to roughly 1,000 deaths and 20,000 hospitalizations in the United States.

Among those on clinic priority lists are pregnant women, young children, people younger than 25 or those with underlying health conditions.

Mrs. Sebelius urged those turned away at clinics to return because the flu season began just four weeks ago and lasts through spring.

She also said the vaccine takes eight to 10 days to work after it is either injected or received through a nasal mist.