The H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic has led to the pursuit of a vaccine by Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, and Baxter International. Clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are expected to begin soon. The US Department of Health and Human Services has set aside $1 billion dollars for the development and manufacture of a vaccine.
On July 29th, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committe on Immunization Practices provided recommendations on who should receive the vaccine. The committee recommended the vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. Vaccination efforts are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of novel H1N1. The key populations include those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with novel H1N1, and those who could infect young infants. When vaccine is first available, the committee recommended that programs and providers try to vaccinate:
- pregnant women,
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
- health care and emergency services personnel,
- persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
- people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
The groups listed above total approximately 159 million people in the United States.
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