Maryland Tests Experimental Bird Flu Vaccine (On Children)

January 23, 2006

http:/. /wjz.com/topstories/local_story_018074643.html

Jan 18, 2006 7:56 pm US/Eastern

Alex DeMetrick

Reporting

(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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