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Blagojevich promises more flu vaccine, still needs FDA approval

As the nation scrambles to replenish nearly half of its flu vaccine supply,

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday an additional 200,000 shots from Europe will be available to Illinois residents.

The governor is missing just one thing though: the Food and Drug Administration's approval.

After announcing the state could receive 62,000 doses from a British wholesaler, Blagojevich sent a letter to the FDA Monday, asking for permission to distribute the vaccine to those in need.

With fresh memories of the FDA's firm disapproval of the state's earlier importation plans, Blagojevich is waiting on a response from the agency.

"The need is clear," said Abby Ottenhoff, spokeswoman for the governor. "Often times, people are very susceptible to this illness. In some cases, it can lead to death. We are doing everything we can to help vulnerable residents."

If given FDA approval, 80,000 of the 200,000 doses found in Europe would be given to Illinois residents. The other 120,000 doses, Ottenhoff added, should also be available soon.

The FDA has cited safety concerns as the reason for shying away from importing prescription drugs in the past. But Ottenhoff said because of the nation's dire need for the vaccine, the agency was investigating the possibility of getting vaccines from other countries as well.

Each year, 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from flu-related illnesses and 36,000 Americans die as a result.

The elderly and young children have been given top priority for the vaccines because they tend to be more susceptible to the virus, said Tom Schafer, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Pubic Health.

In Illinois, 2,610 senior citizens died in 2002 as a result of influenza or pneumonia-related diseases.

The Rehab & Care Center of Jackson County has given flu shots to 36 of its 145 residents, said Stephanie Green, director of nursing. In order to receive the required dosages, residents are required to fill out a consent form. The center is waiting on vaccine dosages from the Illinois Department of Public Aid for 70 of its residents.

The vaccine shipments are not that far behind though, said Green, because they are typically sent out in late October or November.

In Illinois, at least 150,000 more vaccine shots are needed to reach those most susceptible to the common virus, Schafer said. Residents, he added, should be persistent with their local health care providers, making multiple trips if they have not received the vaccine.

 

 

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