Hamburg reassures doctors on H1N1 vaccine

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration assured doctors Tuesday the H1N1 influenza vaccine is safe even though it has been produced quickly.

Dr. Margaret Hamburg, in a letter to doctors across the United States, said 41 million doses of the vaccine have already been allocated to states. She said manufacturers were able to work quickly because they used the same procedures as for vaccines for seasonal flu.

"We are now in a position never before experienced in the history of influenza," Hamburg said. "Just as a new and serious virus is spreading widely around the country, causing hospitalizations and deaths, a vaccine is becoming available to help prevent infection and protect the public. This accomplishment is the result of the efforts of hundreds of scientists across the world in the private and public sectors."

Hamburg said doctors should report any harmful side effects. But she also said they should encourage patients, especially pregnant women and those at high risk, to get the vaccine.