Editorial
Down with the flu

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Millions of Americans either will stand in line for hours to get a flu shot or forgo it and risk their health because of inadequate planning by the federal government.

The Department of Health and Human Services should have realized long ago that two companies manufacturing flu vaccine for a nation of nearly 300 million people were insufficient. Other countries spread their orders over multiple suppliers to avoid having one company come up short.

This year, flu shots are limited to people age 65 years and over, children 6 months to 23 months, or children and adults with chronic or high-risk conditions. Most people who get the flu will be down a few days and survive, but the shortage is a symbol of something more troubling. No one person or agency is in charge of making sure the vaccine supply is adequate, and that has to change.

The government ignored warnings that companies were getting out of the business of manufacturing flu vaccine, and foolishly relied on market forces to protect public health.

The government has to increase incentives so more companies will make flu vaccine. A soon-to-be coughing, aching, sneezing, feverish nation deserves better.