Dems Keep Flu Vaccine for Themselves, Punish GOP Districts
Is the Illinois Democratic party playing politics with its distribution of H1N1 vaccine?
Sources in Illinois tell FrumForum that while Chicago and downstate Illinois (the homebase of Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin) are receiving large amounts of vaccine, the pediatricians, schools and hospitals in the city's northern suburbs are receiving none at all.
These suburbs happen to form the congressional district of Mark Kirk, a leading contender for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Obama.
Dr. Irwin Benuck, president of the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a physician practicing in Kirk's 10th district, confirms to FrumForum that physicians in his area have no supply of H1N1 vaccine. He has published an open letter on the problem here.
Dr Benuck's key point:
Children six months through 4 years of age need the vaccine before healthy older children and adults, and they are best reached through their doctor’s office. Vaccination programs offered through schools will not reach these children.
Chicago, as it happens, has received a large quota of vaccine for school use.
In an interview, Dr Benuck suggests that allocation decisions are being made at the state level rather than in Washington. If that's right, then here is another Illinois first: subordinating children's health to Democratic patronage.