Maryland Tests Experimental Bird Flu Vaccine on Children
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Alex DeMetrick
(WJZ) ST. LOUIS There's encouraging news about Maryland's preparedness for the bird flu.
Doctors at University of Maryland are preparing for a groundbreaking study that could have a profound effect on the deadly bird flu virus. Baltimore is on the front lines of trying to break this virus.
The University School of Medicine will be one of four national vaccine centers testing a flu vaccine for children, a population that is especially vulnerable to the critical risks. The school has already been testing vaccines on adults in preparation for what could one day be a viscous outbreak here in the U.S.
WJZ'S Alex DeMetrick spoke to a doctor at the University of Maryland Medical Center. "I think people are worried it's (human to human transfer of Avian Flu) coming, and they'd like to have their children protected, and this is the only vaccine available." said Dr. James Campbell.
The announcement was made that the U.S. will pledge $334 Million in the fight against the bird flu, joining other nations in a fight where the stakes are high.
In the next few months 120 children ages two through nine will be given the test vaccine. Other U.S. cities participating in the vaccine tests include St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles.
The bird flu virus has already killed at least 77 people since 2003, none in U.S.
Health officials say the first line of defense right now against the bird flu is the vaccine "tamiflu".
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