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Swine Flu and Sacrifices

Sam Wertheimer | Thursday 30th July 2009

Health officials throughout the world are worried about the upcoming flu season. They're particularly worried about supplying enough swine flu (H1N1) vaccine. These forecasts have led some governments to make significant sacrifices, while richer nations bide time by buying up limited vaccine supplies. Do these rich nations have an obligation to protect others by sharing flu shot resources?

U.S. health officials confirmed today that they expect demand for swine flu vaccine to outstrip supply. They also declared that some Americans - pregnant women, children, elderly, high-emergency workers, and people with medical problems - should cut to the front of the line for flu shots. Aside from this resolution, American health officials made no other calls for sacrifice from American citizens.

Other public health organizations have reached similar conclusions about vaccine supply but have asked citizens to make more significant sacrifices. Examples include travel restrictions placed on hajj travelers by Muslim officials in Cairo. The young, sick, and old are banned from this year's pilgrimage. Puerto Rican health officers have also required significant sacrifices. The opening day for the country's public schools has been delayed a week.

Hajj officials and Puerto Rican authorities must ask for sacrifices while the U.S. avoids similar requests because America is rich. According to the WHO, most of the limited vaccine supplies have already been pre-ordered by developed nations like the U.S. With an organized public health system and willingness to spend on healthcare, America can afford to stockpile vaccine supplies and ask citizens for minimal sacrifices. But is this wise public health policy?

Last year, an outbreak of swine flu originating in Mexico quickly spread to America. This year's American outbreak might start in another nearby developing country - like Puerto Rico. Thus, rich countries like America should protect national health interests by asking for some sacrifices from their own citizens as they spread vaccine resources more equitably.

Interested in swine flu and global health policy? Contact Sam: samjmhealth@gmail.com

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