Is there going to be Mandatory Swine flu vaccine for back to school or to stay in school?

Answer 1

Different countries are making different plans for vaccination programs. In the US, a complete strategy for immunization has not yet been finalized or approved. Although, the CDC is advocating immunization with the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available in the fall.

The framework of a voluntary immunization plan for A-H1N1 Virus vaccinations is drafted which calls for prioritization of those to get the initial vaccines since the production of vaccine is hampered somewhat by slower growth of the seed viruses than hoped.

From CDC:

We do not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) July 29, 2009:

With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary novel H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season. On July 29, ACIP met to consider who should receive novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

From the World Health Organization July 24, 2009:

The development of new candidate vaccine viruses by the WHO network is continuing to improve yields (currently 25% to 50 % of the normal yields for seasonal influenza for some manufacturers). WHO will be able to revise its estimate of pandemic vaccine supply once it has the new yield information. Other important information will also be provided by results of ongoing and soon-to be-initiated vaccine clinical trials. These trials will give a better idea of the number of doses required for a person to be immunized, as well as of the quantity on active principle (antigen) needed in each vaccine dose. Manufacturers are expected to have vaccines for use around September. A number of companies are working on the pandemic vaccine production and have different timelines. The prioritization scheme recommended designates specific goals in selecting groups for early vaccination on a voluntary basis. From the CDC Web site:

"The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

* Pregnant women * Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age * Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel * All people from 6 months through 24 years of age ** Children from 6 months through 18 years of age ** Young adults 19 through 24 years of age * Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza."