The study suggests that the long-standing policy of vaccinating the high risk groups first has been ineffective and that a more reasoned approach might be to vaccinate the groups that are more responsible for the transmission of the influenza such as school children.
The three studies noted are a small sampling of those available on the issue but demonstrate the wide range of issues associated with the vaccination program in the United States. There is no shortage of available studies on this issue which reflects on the serious and acrimonious nature of this problem in the United States.
3. Analysis
As the articles suggest, an enormous effort is made every year in the United States to combat influenza. Part of this effort is the production of influenza vaccine and delivering it to the public. In light of the fact that such efforts are not reaching the bulk of the U.S. population the question must be asked whether such efforts are justified.
Due to the fact that the effects of influenza continue to impose a heavy burden on society the various problems associated with the nation's vaccination problems must be addressed. The gap between public policy and the present results of the nation's vaccination program...
Conclusion
Fortunately for the American public influenza in the country has not reached epidemic levels in the last several years. This has allowed the beleaguered vaccination production and distribution program to avoid more highly focused pressure. Unfortunately, such focus may be exactly what the program requires in order to remedy itself. The nation is walking a fine line in regard to influenza and must act soon before a true epidemic arises that results in widespread illness and death.
References
Jones, T.F. And L. Amanda Ingram, Allen S. Craig, William Schaffner. (2004). Determinants of Influenza Vaccination, 2003-2004: Shortages, Fallacies and Disparities. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1824-1828.
Longini, I.M. And M. Elizabeth Halloran. (2005). Strategy for Distribution of Influenza Vaccine to High-Risk Groups and Children. American Journal of Epidemiilogy, 303-306.
Mello, M.M. And Troyen a. Brennan. (2005). Legal Concerns and the Influenza Vaccine Shortage. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 1817-1820.
Influenza
