Flu shot rations

The Joplin Globe

The flu shots that millions of Americans commonly have taken annually as precaution against certain strains of influenza will be rationed out this year to small children, older residents, people living with babies and individuals in high-risk groups. There simply won't be enough vaccine to go around now that Chiron Corp., a major producer, has been shut down by British regulators.

Critics are wondering why more than two companies aren't involved in production of the vaccine and why the government doesn't maintain larger stocks. No one had anticipated the shutdown of production by Chiron. Apparently, 54 million flu shots left over from another firm will be reserved for those in greatest jeopardy.

Clinics are being canceled around the nation. An alarming prospect is that the dearth of doses will result this winter in a surge in older people and children being hospitalized with severe symptoms or with pneumonia. What is needed now is a strategic plan by medical and government officials that will get flu shots to those in most need of them. Time is running out.