NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York City health officials scrambled to explain themselves on Thursday in the wake of media reports about bankers who got scarce H1N1 flu vaccines through their employers. Members of Congress fired off letters demanding immediate explanations and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded state and city health officers of the need to make sure the most vulnerable people get shots first.
“I am concerned that the distribution of the vaccine is resulting in favored treatment for the privileged,” New Jersey Democratic Representative Frank Pallone said. A shortage of H1N1 vaccines has frayed nerves, and public health departments across the country say they will not be able to meet the bulk of the demand until December or January. The CDC estimates swine flu has infected more than five million people and it is documented as having killed 1,000.
She said 16 of the city’s 25 biggest employers had vaccine, including Columbia University, Citi Group and others, as well as the Federal Reserve Bank, which is not among the top 25 employers.
Morgan Stanley said it received 500 doses of the vaccine for its New York City locations and 500 doses for its Westchester location in suburban New York. “We never thought we would receive doses ahead of area hospitals and once this was brought to our attention, we promptly donated the doses we received to a few area hospitals,” including Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, a company spokeswoman said.
CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden sent out a reminder to state and city health departments that distribute vaccine. “I ask each of you to review your plans immediately and work to ensure that the maximum number of doses is delivered to those at greatest risk as rapidly as possible,” he wrote.
Good for them, they can have my dose… roll up your sleeves and load em’ up baby.
