Re: The H1N1 vaccine race, Aug. 31 1 The CMAJ ’s readers would have been better served by a piece that acknowledged the legitimate arguments supporting the Health Canada position on the H1N1 vaccine. First, it is not known when those countries that have opted for a standard vaccine will be ready to release a safe product; suggesting it will be far in advance of the Canadian product is misleading speculation. Second, the use of adjuvants not only gives better cross-protection against mutating flu virus strains, but also “leverages” the standard vaccine, reducing the amount required for an effective dose by a significant amount. The implications of this should be obvious: A resource in short supply becomes available to an entire population. Finally, even if it is necessary to wait a few weeks to have the supply of adjuvant vaccine, it will be available to the vulnerable and general population alike as the anticipated pandemic increases into the winter months, notably, at a time when other nations with standard vaccine may be unable to guarantee coverage. Journal readers deserve editorials that are distinguished from polemics by presentation of both sides of a debate.
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For the full letter, go to: www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/cmaj.091560v1#189137
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