By Kate Kelland

LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) – More than half of Britons being offered vaccination against pandemic H1N1 flu are turning it down because they fear side-effects or think the virus is too mild to bother, a survey of doctors showed on Wednesday.

Many of the 107 family doctors polled by Britain’s Pulse magazine said there was widespread resistance from patients and on average only 46 percent of those offered the vaccination agree to have it.

Doctors reported particular difficulties in persuading pregnant women to be vaccinated against the virus, according to Pulse, a trade newspaper for doctors. Read the full story

ALBANY Almost 700 people who signed up to get H1N1 shots Sunday at a clinic at the Times Union Center didnt show up.

Albany County spokeswoman Mary Duryea said 2,157 people received the much sought-after influenza vaccine Sunday. Duryea said 2,855 appointments had been scheduled.

She said health officials believe people might have gotten the vaccine from their doctors at the last minute. More vaccine is being received in the community as it is produced by the manufacturer and released by the state Health Department. Read the full story

2009-10-19

MANILA — The death toll from two devastating storms that struck the Philippines over the past month has risen to 858, with ensuing disease outbreaks killing 89 others, the government said Monday.

The latest National Disaster Coordinating Council toll is up from 818 on Sunday. Read the full story

STONY BROOK, N.Y. (CBS) ― They’re upset over an ultimatum from the health department.

Workers are being told to either get the swine flu vaccine or lose their jobs.

New York is the first state in the country to mandate flu vaccinations for its health care workers. The first doses of swine flu vaccine will be available beginning next week. Much of it is reserved for state health care workers, but there is growing opposition to required innoculations.

Health care workers in Hauppauge screamed “No forced shots!” as they rallied Tuesday against the state regulation requiring them to roll up their sleeves.

“I don’t even tend to the sick. I am in the nutrition field. They are telling me I must get the shot because I work in a health clinic setting,” said Paula Small, a Women, Infants and Children health care worker.

Small said she will refuse, worried the vaccine is untested and unproven, leaving her vulnerable. In 1976, there were some deaths associated with a swine flu vaccination.

Registered nurse Frank Mannino, 50, was also angry. He said the state regulation violates his personal freedom and civil rights.

“And now I will lose my job if I don’t take the regular flu shot or the swine flu shot.”

When asked if he’s willing to lose his job, Mannino said, “Absolutely. I will not take it, will not be forced. This is still America.”

The protest also shook Albany Tuesday. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded freedom of choice. After all, as health care professionals they argue they’re already constantly washing their hands and aren’t likely to transmit or contract the flu.

Around 500,000 health care workers are slated to receive the vaccine.

“It’s certainly their prerogative to voice their opinion,” said Dr. Susan Donelan of Stony Brook University Hospital.

Donelan said most in the medical community see the benefits and safety of the shots and welcome them, and that hospitals must obey the law.

“Our hospital is committed to following the mandate to have our personnel vaccinated,” she said.

The state said change was needed this year to save lives, typically only about 45 percent of health care workers take advantage of voluntary flu vaccines.

More than 150 institutional outbreaks of seasonal and H1N1 flu are expected this year in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice centers.

New York and New Jersey will get their first doses of the swine flu vaccine next week. It will be the nasal mist, not a shot.

http://wcbstv.com/

More than 800,000 pounds of ground beef from a Fresno processing plant have been recalled because of concerns the meat might be linked to a salmonella outbreak, federal officials said Thursday.

Cargill Inc., owner of Beef Packers Inc. in Fresno, is voluntarily recalling 825,769 pounds of ground beef produced this summer. Much of the meat was packaged and sold in West Coast states, including California, under different brand names, so customers should check with the store where they bought ground beef to find out if it’s safe. Read the full story