The H1N1 Recap: Problems Faced By Medical Scientists Developing an H1N1 Vaccine

Is fear the biggest problem?

Medical scientists faced with developing a H1N1 vaccine encounter numerous problems of various kinds. These can include any of the following, but the biggest problem they encounter initially, may be that of fear. Any new virus can present a frightening scenario for the medical scientist who discovers it, as at first, he or she has no idea of its actual level of contagion.

Medical scientists confronted with having to develop a new vaccine for a virus can experience fear of the unknown. Fear of any kind, needs to be over-come and generally is, through advances in medical science, education and experience.

If there is no vaccine developed, the fear of the actual disease process itself, can prove to be even greater. Thus, fear can work in a positive direction by being a motivating factor in the advancement of medical science.

Producing the initial dosage of an H1N1 vaccine may not appear to be a monumental task, but attempting to produce massive doses, sufficient for the entire population of a world coping with an H1N1 pandemic, would appear to be almost unfathomable in its magnitude.

The question of time becomes problematic for medical scientists, because sufficient time is essential in order to create, test and evaluate the effectiveness of an H1N1 vaccine. Time, in this context, must be regarded as prior to any mass production, distribution and administration of the vaccine.

Time limits or constraints present a problem because one has to ask how much time there is to create and perfect an effective vaccine. Medical scientists may wonder if the time frame allowed is realistic. Even when given enough time to create a vaccine, as well as sufficient vaccine for everyone who needs it, will it then prove to be too late to be effective?

There is always the question of the degree of expertise of medical scientists. While there are those who have had previous experience with the H1N1 virus, there are new medical researchers who may require more education and training, even though time does not permit.

The virus itself can present a problem, depending upon whether it is an entirely new virus or a mutation of an older or previous virus. An innovative virus can present a whole conglomeration of new and different problems. Is it possible to identify the correct virus immediately? Will it be comparable to other known viruses? Is there a similar virus from which to grow vaccine, when one uses the law of similars to create a new vaccine?

What is the degree of seriousness of the virus in terms of human infection, debilitation or mortality? How fast will it spread? What are its known triggers? Are there other unknown factors?

The population of world is humongous and this too, creates a problem. Even if medical scientists are able to produce an effective H1N1 vaccine, will there be sufficient quantities for everyone or will there be a shortage? If so, who will receive the vaccine? Who has the authority to make a decision about distribution and administration?

Money to create a vaccine is required immediately, in a pandemic. What will be the source of the funding? Will the demand for money exhaust global health care resources? Laboratory testing facilities are required to produce and test the initial H1N1 vaccine. These kinds of facilities are costly, too.

Then, there is the problem related to the actual vulnerability of the global population. Who is the most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus and the least vulnerable? Who is the most likely to contract the disease, if there is no vaccine available for them? Who needs it the most and who will not need it?

Assuming that an effective vaccine is developed, is there an appropriate medium in which to start/grow an H1N1 virus vaccine, en masse? Is it available immediately? How many eggs are required and where will they be obtainable?

Accurate testing of the vaccine is essential. This testing has to done prior to any mass production or manufacturing of a vaccine to be distributed to a worldwide population. The multiplication of vaccine doses for masses of people could prove to be a major problem.

A question arises with respect to how many human tests are required to prove its effectiveness. Again, is there time for all of these tests to be completed? Control studies are essential with regard to a new vaccine. Is there any merit in the mass production of a placebo, as well as a vaccine? The placebo effect could prove to render the same results, scientifically. Can one effectively test an H1N1 vaccine without using a control or a placebo?

Manufacturing and production, distribution, shipping and handling of a vaccine, once it has been created is problematic, because of its magnitude. Media criticism, regardless of action or inaction, is inevitable. Administration of the vaccine and medical reporting with regard to positive or negative effects of the vaccine, demands accurate record keeping. Statistics have to gathered and assessed. This all takes more time, more people, as well as more money.

For drug companies, the record of vaccine sales may include a profit or a loss. Is creating an H1N1 vaccine, a money making proposition? Who will benefit the most, financially? To whom or where will the profits be distributed? Will the profits go back into more research? Who will absorb the losses encountered?

Spoilage of vaccine and possible contamination are both possible. How does one avoid that? The use of mercury in a vaccine may be subject to severe scrutiny, as well.

The law of supply and demand of H1N1 vaccine for the masses, is only part of the problem. There are other issues like special vaccines required for infants and children, elderly people, pregnant women or those medically compromised and thus, more vulnerable.

Is there global, diplomatic immunity for medical scientists, with regard to possible prosecution, resulting from possible side effects or after effects of vaccination?

Does this vaccine confer immunity to the H1N1 virus or just one sub-type of the virus? Is another H1N1 sub-type going to require another vaccine? Who has natural versus acquired immunity? Why is this so? Where there is natural immunity, a vaccine would not be required.

Who determines which country or countries should receive or will not receive vaccine? Then there is the governmental or legislative action necessary regarding mass vaccination on local, regional and global levels.

Public awareness and knowledge is problematic. How much do people know and what should they know? 

What should they not be told and thus, may never know?

Be aware that there is no limit to the number of problems that medical scientists may be confronted with prior to, during or after a pandemic. Being aware that these kinds of problems exist and have to be resolved with regard to creating an H1N1 vaccine, helps people become more appreciative of the work of medical scientists.

Has the H1N1 vaccine been effective?

Time will tell. If not, then there will be further questions raised and other problems to be resolved. Invariably, one issue or concern leads to the next, but that is the nature of medical science, education and progress.

This is just a brief recap with regard to some of the problems and questions raised with regard to creating a vaccine for the current H1N1 pandemic.

Now, with an eye to the future, one might ask, what plans are in progress with regard to the next, new virus or subtype of the H1N1 virus? What recommendations do medical scientists have for the future of humankind?

Is it ever going to be possible to prevent another pandemic? Is fear really the biggest problem?