What editorial writers are saying about H1N1 vaccine shortages

The government has been criticized for not producing enough vaccine. But some Americans still are contemplating the vaccine's safety and whether they even will get vaccinated. Newspaper editorial writers weigh in.

Swine flu: Short on shots

As the first doses of swine flu vaccine were made available this month [October], it looked as though the public might be scared away from inoculations by the chatter of such disparate anti-vacciners as Bill Maher and Rush Limbaugh. Now, of course, the opposite has happened: People are lining up at clinics and pestering their doctors for the vaccine, which is 12 million doses short of recent predictions. The country has about a fifth of what's needed to inoculate its most vulnerable populations. Los Angeles Times, Oct. 31

Government over-promises, under-delivers on flu shots

Given the vaccine production delays, the U.S. is fortunate that the new strain has not been even more virulent. The government now has a chance to learn from the experience, and it should. For starters, the myriad federal agencies involved -- perhaps there are too many, adding to disarray -- need to keep closer tabs on vaccine production. USA Today, Oct. 29

Vaccine supplies should be public

Figuring that health care providers know best who these [high-risk] patients are, state health officials have given them priority for vaccine shipments instead of holding mass vaccination clinics that have had people in other states lining up for hours. Many of those queuing up were not at high risk for flu complications. More vaccine is headed to Minnesota ... bringing the total supply in the state to 370,000 doses. That's about half of what's needed to cover the 718,000 Minnesotans considered highest priority for the shots. Clinics will continue to shoulder the responsibility for parceling it out in the days and weeks ahead. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Nov. 3

Ignore the hysterics; get swine flu vaccine

Some of the same government-haters who spread myths about "death panels'' for the elderly are now spouting misinformation about the swine flu vaccine, and they're getting support from holistic-medicine enthusiasts, some autism activists, and talk show host Bill Maher. If all these scare tactics cause many Americans to pass up immunization, they will raise the death toll of the epidemic. Contrary to myths spreading online, the swine flu vaccine is made the same way the vaccines for seasonal flu have been. It has been tested for safety in clinical trials. Boston Globe, Oct. 25

Flu vaccine's slow arrival in Texas

The massive emergency manufacture and shipment of vaccine to fight the highly communicable H1N1 strain is unprecedented. It is also falling short of demand and expectation. Officials had hoped to distribute 120 million doses in October, but the number may be only a fourth of that. ... Figures on doses shipped to Texas caused alarm bells to go off, since they showed the state near rock bottom in vaccines received per capita. Dallas Morning News, Oct. 21

Get the shot

It is frustrating that the federal government hasn't kept up with demand -- or delivered on its promises that millions more doses would be available by now. Federal officials say the crash H1N1 program was slowed to ensure the vaccine's safety. And there were unexpected snags in vaccine production. There's no reason to panic. Many people will catch the flu. In most cases, it will be mild, and people won't need special treatment or medical attention. But you should be vigilant for signs that would warrant a visit to the doctor or local clinic. Chicago Tribune, Oct. 27