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US Declares Swine Flu Emergency

Move will eliminate red tape, allow for speedier vaccinations

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 24, 2009 10:56 AM CDT

(AP) – President Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency and empowered his health secretary to suspend federal requirements and speed treatment for thousands of infected people. Despite the language, the White House emphasized the declaration is bureaucratic in nature and should not signal cause for alarm. The goal is to remove red tape and allow Kathleen Sebelius to grant waivers to overburdened medical facilities on such things as Medicare, Medicaid, or health privacy regulations.

The outbreak has killed more than 1,000 people in the US, including 100 children, and 46 states report cases. Because of vaccine production delays, the government has backed off initial estimates that as many as 120 million doses would be available by mid-October. As of Wednesday, only 11 million doses had been shipped to health departments, doctor's offices, and other providers.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

A nurse prepares the injectable version of the swine flu vaccine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Marisol Rangeo receives the swine flu nasal spray vaccine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Catherine Governale holds her son George after receiving two swine flu shots in Culver City Friday, Oct 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

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As a nation, we have prepared at all levels of government, and as individuals and communities, taking unprecedented steps to counter the emerging pandemic . - President Obama

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

Ucantusethatname

Oct 26, 2009 11:33 AM CDT

Delays in vaccine production. More than 1,000 Americans have died to date. If Bush were President, the leftist press would be all over his a**. Why is there no criticism of Obama? I guess god does not make mistakes.

NxBigmouthery

Oct 26, 2009 8:46 AM CDT

Delays in world vaccine production. Yes...there's a world out there.

fiestygirl

Oct 26, 2009 4:16 AM CDT

Nah ronimaca, but it does seem awful funny that over 35,000 die from the regular flu if not more each year and now we have a national emergency over 1,000 deaths. BTW, my uncle was one of those who suffered the ill effects of the swine flue vaccine in the mid 70's so I know what can go wrong with this experimental vaccine. He died a broken man in a wheel chair, wore a patch over one eye, was partially paralyzed and essentially trapped in his own body. He would weep for hours on end over all that he lost. His family broke apart and after suffering for many years he finally succumbed to the awful side effects of the "vaccine" in 1992. So NO I will not take the vaccine but I wouldn't put anything past this administration and their agenda. You can have my dose and that of my son and husband. We shall sacrifice ourselves to you and your family. Hope you get in line soon.The government and the CDC are making people feel obligated, if not guilty, to get this stupid vaccine and if some of refuse I am sure they have a list for that...

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US Declares Swine Flu Emergency