Influenza A virus

Glenn Kessler is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of HCD Research, based in Flemington, New Jersey. In conjunction with the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kessler and HCD Research, between yesterday and today, conducted a web-based "flash survey" involving 600 primary care physicians in the United States to collect their opinions about the current flu vaccine shortage, which was brought about by the de-certification of the Chiron flu vaccine factory in Liverpool, U.K. by the British Medicine and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

This survey found that:

* Nearly all physicians (95%) consider the current flu vaccine shortage a crisis situation, with 40% describing it as "serious" or "significant."
* Approximately 60% report that patients who normally do not ask for the flu shot are requesting the flu vaccination at this time.
* A vast majority of physicians (74%) reported that it was difficult to obtain adequate quantities of vaccine for patients who meet the recommended guidelines for administration of the vaccine.
* Thirty-seven percent (37%) feel that the current administration is not handling the situation properly, and 26% feel that it is not a political issue.

Mr. Kessler spoke today with Etopia Media Medical News Network about the methodology, findings, implications, and uses of this survey. You can hear what he said by clicking here.

Here's a link to HCD Research's web site.

Here's a link to the public interest information generated by HCD Research.