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As we discovered in 1976, vaccinating the public in advance of a potential pandemic isn't an easy task. When millions of inoculations are given, there are bound to be a few adverse reactions. Plus the logistics of getting everyone `jabbed' are enormous.
It can be an expensive proposition, but financially and politically.
Nevertheless, the Japanese Ministry of Health is considering just that.
Unknown, of course, is how effective any existing vaccine would be against a newly mutated pandemic strain. The shots might afford some protection, but people would probably still contract the flu in a pandemic. The death toll among those inoculated, it is hoped, would be less.
For now, Japan will inoculate 6,000 volunteers in the medical profession, and see how well it goes. If the results are favorable, 10 million additional doses would be provided to essential workers, and the government would consider buying more vaccine to cover the general public.
Vaccinations for new flu strains eyed for public
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Wednesday began a feasibility study on inoculating the general public with avian influenza vaccine to prepare for the possible outbreak of a new strain of pandemic flu, sources said.
Under the ministry's current plan, the vaccinations for 10 million people engaged in occupations maintaining social functions, such as police officers and those working for water and electric utilities, will start in fiscal 2009.
Hoping to eliminate concern over a possible epidemic, the ministry also will discuss whether to include the general public in the vaccination plan.
The ministry currently stockpiles sufficient avian flu vaccine concentrate solution for 20 million people and has already indicated that it would increase the amount of the stock.
However, expanding the vaccination to the public at large could cause social confusion over possible side-effects.
The ministry, therefore, will discuss the target population and timing of vaccinations, among other issues, after examining the safety of the inoculation, according to the sources.
Even people who have been vaccinated will likely develop symptoms in the event of an outbreak of a new type of influenza from any source, avian or otherwise.
Taking these factors into consideration, the ministry plans to inoculate 6,000 people who wished to receive flu vaccinations by the end of March next year. Falling into this category are doctors and quarantine officers who will most likely come into contact with patients.
The vaccination will be administered on a clinical test basis as a preemptive measure against the possible outbreak of a new type of flu.
If the vaccination proves to be effective, the ministry plans to expand the program to 10 million people in preparation for an epidemic.
Switzerland also is considering conducting a preemptive vaccination for the general public, but has yet to introduce it.
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