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Swine Flu Vaccine Trials to Hit 8 Cities in Aug.

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 23, 2009 12:53 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The National Institutes of Health will supervise a nationwide test of a swine flu vaccine in eight cities starting in August, the Seattle Times reports. Test subjects will be drawn from Seattle, Baltimore, Iowa City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Houston, and Nashville. Thousands will receive “a vaccine you can't otherwise get,” one official says. President Obama has spoken of a national rollout in October.

The accelerated pace of the vaccine is unusual, but scientists say it is possible because the new medicine is similar to that used for more common flu strains. The test will begin with healthy subjects over 18; if successful, it will move to an at-risk group, children aged 6 months to 17. One of the goals is to determine the minimum effective dosage so vaccine stocks can be used more efficiently worldwide.

Eggs are used to produce the vaccine.
Eggs are used to produce the vaccine.   (AP Photo)
Thai Buddhists wear protective masks while praying at Trimit Temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thai Buddhists wear protective masks while praying at Trimit Temple in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo)
Flu vaccine dispensers.
Flu vaccine dispensers.   (AP Photo)
A patient receives a swine flu vaccination in Australia, where the first human trials have already begun.
A patient receives a swine flu vaccination in Australia, where the first human trials have already begun.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
lindamae
Jul 24, 2009 6:15 AM CDT
The gov. has given the vaccine maker the freedom of immunity if someone who takes the vaccine dies from it. Wow. They wouldn't do any tort reform for the health bill but for the drug makers. Plus, it will be given to children and pregnant women BEFORE the test results are in. Has our government been reading Hitler's Health Care? Sebelius is in charge. They should all be shot with the first flu shots and if they live, then allow us to get it. Haste makes waste - and kills. The last major vaccine killed more patients than did the flu itself. Good lesson. Who will listen?
DontLikeYou___
Jul 23, 2009 8:54 AM CDT
Swine flu is a farce. Don't take the vaccination.
Health • US

 
medicine • Atlanta • Houston • vaccine • St. Louis • Baltimore • Seattle • Cincinnati • Iowa City • Nashville • National Institutes of Health • human trials • swine flu • H1N1 virus • test subjects

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