When President George W. Bush spoke of importing Canadian flu vaccine during Wednesday's election debate, many in the U.S. public health community were struck by the irony of an administration that slams the door on cheaper Canadian drugs, but looks north for help with an embarrassing vaccine shortage.
Canada.com articleBecause some people were believing his drivel about the danger of reimportation. Duh.
The company has between one million and 1.5 million surplus doses it has offered to sell to American authorities who have been scrambling since vaccine giant Chiron Corp. revealed it could not provide the up to 48 million doses it had contracted to supply to the U.S. market.
Their hopes may have been dampened later in the day, though, when Tommy Thompson, the U.S. secretary of health, said it was doubtful that vaccine from producers not currently licensed in the United States could be imported to help with this year's massive shortage.
Their hopes may have been dampened later in the day, though, when Tommy Thompson, the U.S. secretary of health, said it was doubtful that vaccine from producers not currently licensed in the United States could be imported to help with this year's massive shortage.
Be prepared. I think that's the Homeland Security motto. How're we doing? At the mercy of Big Pharma, eh?
No comments:
Post a Comment