Q&A: Bird Flu Vaccine
March 13, 2006 — -- Following are questions regarding vaccine development to combat the bird flu, along with responses from Dr. John Treanor, a professor of medicine, microbiology and immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and chair of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Q: Will a vaccine be available for the public to buy? -- Nada, Nigeria A:
Q: Why isn't our federal government doing more to make sure we can all have a bird flu vaccine -- such as building vaccine plants? -- April, Buffalo, Wyo. A:
Q: Isn't it more effective to work on a bird flu vaccine than stockpiling Tamiflu? -- Nhi, Lincoln, Neb. A:
Q: I am allergic to eggs. Is the flu vaccine being made from eggs? If so, do I have another option? -- Gail, Maryland A:
Q: According to news reports, this flu is mutating at an alarming rate, transferring from birds to now reports of other animals. How can a vaccine be synthesized and distributed to the general populace, and would this be effective given the rate of reported mutation?" -- George, Seattle A: