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America Grapples with Flu Vaccine Shortage A shortage of flu shots means tens of millions of Americans -- even those considered high-risk patients -- will go unvaccinated this year. How are public health officials handling the shortage? Is America facing a possible flu health crisis? Follow NPR coverage.
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America Grapples with Flu Vaccine Shortage

Follow NPR coverage of the flu vaccine shortage and how officials -- and Americans -- respond.

Experts: Vaccinate Kids First

In a typical flu season, more than 40 percent of school-age kids get the flu. But health officials are trying to get the vaccine to Americans over age 50. New findings suggest children should be vaccinated first to reduce the spread of flu to older adults. Hear NPR's Richard Knox.

Health Experts: Kids Should Get Flu Shots First

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Group Gets Flu Shots in Canada

Because of the shortage of flu vaccine in the United States, 260 people from northern New York crossed the border into Canada and paid $25 each to get their shots at a private clinic. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann reports.

U.S. Group Heads to Canada for Flu Shots

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Critics Call for Govt. Control of Flu Vaccine

Squeezed availability of the flu vaccine in the United States prompts calls for changing America's private-market flu vaccine system. Critics of the system say governments are more aware than the market of health needs and are better able to marshal the resources needed to prevent shortages. NPR's Brenda Wilson reports.

Critics Call for Govt. Control of Flu Vaccine

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Tracing Flu Vaccine Shortage from Liverpool to U.S.

NPR's Snigdha Prakash looks at the events that led to the sudden shortage of flu vaccine across the United States. What was happening in the five weeks between the appearance of problems at Chiron's plant in Liverpool, England, and the decision to withdraw their entire supply?

Tracing Flu Vaccine Shortage from Liverpool to U.S.

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The Web Browser: Flu-Related Strangeness

Day to Day senior producer Steve Proffitt returns in his occasional role as the "Web Browser" with a look at flu-related oddities he's found on the Internet. Proffitt searched the Web for respirator masks that meet NIOSH N95 standards, and also probed claims the Fiji titi herb can help prevent the flu.

The Web Browser: Flu-Related Strangeness

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Flu Fears May Be Overblown

Fear of serious illness and death from the flu has worsened this season with the announcement of a vaccine shortage. But experts emphasize the flu is unpredictable, and there are reasons to believe this flu season won't be as bad as feared. Hear NPR's Richard Knox.

Heightened Flu Fears May Not Be Warranted

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Flu Vaccine Run-Around: Who You Gonna Call?

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson says that when all else fails, call the government if you can't find a flu shot. NPR's Richard Knox called the government, and they said... well, don't call us. Harris takes a look at the flu vaccine run-around.

Flu Vaccine Run-Around: Who You Gonna Call?

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'Outsourcing' Vaccines Common in Drug Industry

NPR's Julie Rovner reports that "outsourcing" in the drug and vaccine manufacturing industry -- something many blame for the current flu vaccine shortage -- is more the rule than the exception.

'Outsourcing' Vaccines Common in Drug Industry

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Antiviral Flu Drugs an Option

With flu vaccines scarce, health officials say Americans worried about influenza can turn to several antiviral flu medications on the market. Some drugs can cut the duration of illness and offer protection against the flu, though cost is among the drawbacks. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner.

Antiviral Flu Drugs an Option to Vaccine

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At-Risk Doctor Deals with Vaccine Shortage in Maine

NPR's Noah Adams talks with Sean McCloy, a family doctor in Portland, Maine, about how his clinic is handling the flu vaccine shortage. Maine will soon exhaust its supply of the vaccine, and thousands of high-risk patients -- including Dr. McCloy himself -- may not get vaccinated.

At-Risk Doctor Deals with Vaccine Shortage in Maine

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Flu Blame Game Misguided

The loss of half of the nation's flu-vaccine supply has both President Bush and his Democratic rival, Sen. John Kerry, pointing fingers. But facts suggest both men may be placing the blame where it doesn't belong. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

Blame Game over Flu Vaccine Seen as Off Target

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Experts: U.S. Flu Crisis Looms

With millions going unvaccinated this year due to a flu vaccine shortage, health professionals warn of a pending crisis in U.S. hospitals and emergency rooms. Federal officials are criticized for lacking an emergency plan. Hear NPR's Richard Knox.

Experts Warn of Looming Flu Crisis in U.S.

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For Many at Risk, Flu Shot Shortage Is Palpable

Across the country, thousands lined up over the weekend to get flu vaccines and were turned away. At one vaccine clinic in Arlington, Va., hopeful patients in groups considered most at risk for flu complications waited in long lines, though many failed to receive the shots. Hear NPR's Libby Lewis.

For Many at Risk, Flu Shot Shortage Is Palpable

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Low Flu Vaccine Supply Has Officials Scrambling

The United States is experiencing the worst nationwide shortage of flu vaccine in history, putting young children, the elderly and chronically ill patients at greater risk for contracting the flu. Health officials are working to cope with the shortage during the current flu season. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and NPR's Richard Knox.

Low Flu Vaccine Supply Has Officials Scrambling

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CDC Develops Plan to Dole Out Flu Shots

The U.S. government is working to redirect remaining supplies of the flu vaccine as it tries to ensure it reaches people who need it most: children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with a supplier to route the flu shots to the public. NPR's Richard Knox reports.

CDC Develops Plan to Dole Out Flu Shots

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