Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?
Yes. The vaccine is being made in large quantities and shipped as soon as possible. By mid-October, 40 million doses shipped to some 90,000 sites across the U.S. Another 20 million doses should ship each week, apportioned to states on the basis of population. By the end of December, all of the vaccine will have shipped. The U.S. has purchased 251 million doses of the vaccine, and has promised 10% of the vaccine to developing nations. That leaves enough vaccine for every U.S. resident who wants it. The vaccine is free. Although some providers may charge for vaccine administration, the government is urging them to waive that charge. Even if some providers charge, several large insurance companies said they’d cover the cost. Clinical tests show the vaccine works remarkably well. People age 10 and older need only one dose of the vaccine. Protection begins about eight days after vaccination. Kids under age 10 years will need two vaccinations, given three weeks apart. There have been no safe
