The allegation by the Democrats that President Bush is responsible for the current flu vaccine shortage is inaccurate. It is simply politicking.

Chiron, the company in default of vaccine deliverance, publicized in July their first million doses released to the U.S. for the 2004-2005 flu season. On Aug. 28, when the manufacturing difficulties emerged, Chiron still believed this would only cause a delivery delay and wouldn’t seriously affect vaccine supply. Indeed as late as Sept. 28, the president and chief executive officer of Chiron, Howard Pien, maintained that Chiron would still be able to supply 46-48 million doses to the U.S. this flu season. If he believed it, how could President Bush be privileged to know otherwise?

There have been other vaccine supply problems in recent years as detailed in the September 2002 GAO Report on Childhood Vaccines. This thorough investigation, conducted to “prevent or mitigate the effects of future shortages,” flagged poor communication between Food and Drug Administration inspectors and manufacturer’s knowledge of inspections and standards requirements as a cardinal factor.

Solutions were recommended. Hillary Clinton and Edward Kennedy were designated recipients of this report. What do they have to say of steps taken to ensure continued vaccine supply? How could they have prevented the current influenza vaccine shortage?

There are many factors and they defy simple answers. And pointing a finger is not one of them.

Dr. Margaret E. Matthews, Auburn

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