Please copy, modify, etc., and send out your own LTE re the flu vaccine shortage.
(and yes, I am a virologist with a Ph.D. in molecular biology.)
<Dear Sir or Madam:<p>
As a U.S. citizen and virologist, I am very concerned about the Bush Administration's inability to provide an adequate supply of flu vaccine for the American people.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. Those at highest risk for complications from the flu include the elderly, young children, and pregnant women. Worse, approximately 36,000 people die from flu each year (i.e., more than 12 times the number of people that died in the attack on 9/11). See http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
Despite the seriousness of pandemic flu outbreaks, this year is the second time that the Bush Administration has failed to ensure an adequate supply of flu vaccine. The arrival of flu season is an expected and recurring biological event. If the Bush Administration cannot adequately prepare us for a expected and recurring biological event, how can the Bush Administration be expected to prepare us for a surprise biological attack by terrorists? The Bush Administration's record is not reassuring.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXx, Ph.D., J.D.>