What editorial writers are saying about H1N1 vaccine and emergency preparedness

A sampling from newspapers across the nation finds editorial writers discussing what H1N1 has taught officials and the public about preparing for a pandemic -- and why people should get the vaccine as it becomes available.

Don't play around with the swine flu

The interplay between public health officials and the public over the swine flu vaccine has, at times, resembled an excruciatingly awkward session on "Dancing With the Stars." Everybody's wound up looking a bit flat-footed. ... The dynamic has shifted, and a much smoother rhythm should be possible from here on out. Now, it appears, the onus is once again on the public to obtain the vaccine. Oregonian (Portland, Ore.), Dec. 16

H1N1 raises awareness and saved lives

Generally, the H1N1 outbreak does not appear to have been as bad as feared so far. ... That may be a result of what some people have said is media overkill. We spent much of the year passing along advice on how to prevent the spread of H1N1 ... and the evidence suggests people are following that advice. Public health officials warn about seasonal flu every year, but [they note] an uptick in the number of people with inquiries and concerns. ... The publicity about H1N1 has affirmed the message that all influenza should be taken seriously. That will save lives in the long run. Green Bay (Wis.) Press-Gazette, Dec. 15

Modernize flu vaccine

We live in a nation with vast medical technological resources, yet most of its H1N1 vaccine originated with 30 chicken eggs in a New York laboratory. ... There must be a better way. A modern cell culture is available. It could simplify and speed production. Other experts recommend stretching the vaccine supply by adding adjuvants to amplify the immune response. So far, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved either of those methods. Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, Iowa), Dec. 13

Ready or not? Funding is issue with emergency preparedness

Along with state funding cuts, the federal preparedness funding has decreased by 27% since fiscal year 2005. ... State and local health departments are being asked to do more than ever before, but they are being stretched, in some cases, beyond their capacities. ... On a national level, all states must improve their health emergency preparedness. As we have learned with the H1N1 virus, contagious infections do not stay within state boundaries. If one state is not prepared to handle a crisis, it could become a problem for others. The federal government should ensure there are no more cuts in public health preparedness funding, and states such as Pennsylvania should do the same. In a tough budget year, it must be a priority. Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.), Dec. 16

Can't get complacent about H1N1 vaccine in California

When it comes to the swine flu vaccine, the message from state health officials remains confusing. On the one hand, they correctly warn that we shouldn't become complacent, that another wave of H1N1 infections is very likely. On the other hand, they still remain reluctant to publicly predict when the vaccine will be available to the general population. The result is that many Californians seeking immunization don't know when they might be able to get a swine flu shot. That would have been acceptable in the spring, when we first saw signs of the outbreak in North America. But at this point, public health officials should be doing a better job of providing forecasts. Contra Costa (Calif.) Times, Dec. 11