Swine flu "emergency" could let Big Pharma stretch vaccines
You know, I really thought the swine flu hysteria was dying down. I mean, I've still been seeing headlines like "Worldwide Death Toll Reaches 100" (any death is a tragedy, but 100 deaths worldwide is hardly a pandemic) but for the most part, the media frenzy seemed to be winding down. I should have known, though, that Big Pharma will stop at nothing to keep the money-making vaccine machine running. This time, by adding unapproved components that will reduce the amount of antigen needed in each shot. They say it's so they can "stretch" vaccine quantities from a limited supply of active ingredient. I don't know, sounds to me more like it's so they can make more money off less product. With an unapproved additive—of unknown safety—at that! What are these boosters? How will they react with the other components of the vaccine? What are the long-term effects of this combination? Is ANYONE going to stop and answer these questions before people start lining up and holding their arms out for the shot? Of course not. Because they're painting it as an "emergency" use of these unapproved boosters. They say clinical trials will be conducted—but I'm sure they'll be rushed under the pretense of "emergency." Of course, there is currently no vaccine for swine flu. The seasonal flu vaccine may—yes, MAY—help to provide PARTIAL protection from one kind of swine flu (what a vote of confidence!), but not against the H1N1 virus. Of course, that hasn't stopped almost every media outlet from urging you to run out and get the vaccine anyway. I probably don't need to tell you this, but we need to take a deep breath and a step back before buying the panic and hysteria. E-Tips readers aren't the type to blindly fall in line, but maybe you know someone who is getting caught up in the scare tactics used by the mainstream media. Artificially created hysteria is NO REASON to start testing new drugs in the field. I'm certainly not ready to sign on to what amounts to a massive clinical trial just to line Big Pharma's pockets. This type of flu is just like any other—it's transmitted by touching something contaminated and then touching your mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. JUST LIKE the colds and flus that strike every year. And you don't need to run out for a shot. The most effective prevention comes from regular handwashing—yep, it's that simple. But Big Pharma isn't going to pass up a chance to make a grab at your wallet. And this "emergency" is just the thing they need to get a blank check. Sources:
"U.S. considering emergency use of booster in H1N1 vaccine." Reuters (www.reuters.com), 5/28/09.
"Companies starting to work on H1N1 vaccine." Reuters (www.reuters.com), 5/28/09.
"Factbox: How swine flu spreads in humans." Reuters (www.reuters.com), 4/30/09.
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