Legal Immunity Set For Swine Flu Vaccine Makers

[The Straight Story]

Legal Immunity Set For Swine Flu Vaccine Makers

In Past, Thousands Filed Claims Contending They Suffered Side Effects
MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer

ATLANTA -- The last time the government embarked on a major vaccine campaign against a new swine flu, thousands filed claims contending they suffered side effects from the shots. This time, the government has already taken steps to head that off.

Vaccine makers and federal officials will be immune from lawsuits that result from any new swine flu vaccine, under a document signed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, government health officials said Friday.

Since the 1980s, the government has protected vaccine makers against lawsuits over the use of childhood vaccines. Instead, a federal court handles claims and decides who will be paid from a special fund.

The document signed by Sebelius last month grants immunity to those making a swine flu vaccine, under the provisions of a 2006 law for public health emergencies. It allows for a compensation fund, if needed.

http://www.clickorlando.com/health/20088640/detail.html

[gristy]

1. lots of discussion on this here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3974145

[babylonsister]

2. That doesn't sound too comforting to me. nt