Flu Vaccine Shortage Issues
One of the greatest issues that the world has to face right now is the flu vaccine shortage. Recent reports have said that millions of people cannot get a vaccine shot every year because of stock problems. If such is the case, then preventing the occurrence of flu will be a difficult task for most health care agencies.
Why Aren't Pharmaceutical Companies Producing The Vaccine?
Flu vaccine shortage cannot be addressed by most pharmaceutical companies because of one reason - budget. If you are thinking that flu shots are expensive, then you are quite wrong. The drug companies have not been producing these shots because they simply cannot benefit from it. About one dose will only cost $3 to $10 in price. This is why most of them do not earn profits from these types of vaccines. Government owned pharmaceutical companies also can't suffice the demand for vaccines. Private owned laboratories should thus help in the production.
What Our Government Has To Do About The Flu Vaccine Shortage
Because of the flu vaccine shortage, our government has to back up the production of some private owned companies. They should put up enough funds for vaccines both sold and unsold. This way, the production will increase and a lot of people can benefit from it. If our government with the flu vaccine production expenses, then it will be possible to address to the scarcity problems.
Crossing Countries For A Shot
The news has shown that people have crossed into other countries because of the flu vaccine shortage. Millions of people have opted to go to Canada and gotten their shots from there. This is because Canada has a small population which means that flu vaccines can be in abundance. The vaccine can turn out to be very costly this way because of the travel expenses that one has to pay.
The Alternatives To Flu Vaccine
Alternatively though, there can be other means in case a flu outbreak is to be expected. If the CDC flu vaccine is still in shortage, then it will be best to treat one's self with antiviral medications. It will also be important to keep yourself healthy in order to prevent the disease from occurring. When you are equipped with a good immune system, then your body will be able to thwart off the deadly influenza virus. Keeping your body healthy by following a proper diet will be of great help in disease prevention. Other measures should be instituted such as daily intake of vitamins and proper rest and sleep.
