Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Blog 4 New Polio Strains That Protect Vaccine Factory Workers


Scientists have created new strains of polio that is supposed to protect workers in factories that make the polio vaccine. The new strains have the same immune reaction but there is little  risk of anyone getting polio if the new strain suddenly escapes. After growing a large amount, vaccine makers “kill” the virus with formaldehyde and prepare it for syringes. Right now, polio eradication depends on many volunteers putting drops of the oral Sabin vaccine into children’s mouth.  The Sabin vaccine has drawbacks; it can mutate back into a dangerous form which can paralyze or kill. And the vaccine  is risky in children with immune-system problems. Doctors are working with the new vaccine company, Crucell , to prove that the safer strains grow well in the human cell line.

Although the article provided some evidence that the new strains for polio for polio will be effective, more evidence should have been provided to further convince the reader. Also the article discussed how if a disaster such as an explosion, an earthquake, a tsunami, or a flood, that the spill could spread like wildfire. I am curious to know what preventative measures are being taken just in case a disaster of some sort was to happen. True some things can not be prevented but it seems that no plan of action is in place. If a spill were to occur it would be a major disaster in of itself.  Overall the article was good, it provided input from doctors and included some evidence that the new strain for polio will be effective.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/health/new-polio-strains-that-protect-vaccine-factory-workers.html?ref=health&_r=0

Bria Gill
2/19/13
12:11 PM

No comments: