After a lethal bird flu virus emerged in Asia, U.S. officials launched an intense effort to build new defenses against a pandemic, including replacing an antiquated vaccine system, which depends on millions of chicken eggs…

the skittishness of many Americans about the traditional shots and even the newer nasal spray, it remains unclear how many would feel comfortable with vaccines produced using insect cells, bacteria, animal kidney cells or other new approaches. "It will be a uphill road in convincing people that it's safe and effective and represents an advance," said Gregory Poland, a flu vaccine expert at the Mayo Clinic.

Washington Post, by Rob Stein, 11/24/09

Tags: flu vaccine, Infectious Diseases