The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the swine flu is now widespread in 48 states and they hope the vaccine supply will catch up with demand soon. But it didn't arrive in time for one Chicago couple expecting their first child.
"We were in the car going to the hospital and tears ran down my face and I said, Wait a minute God, why did you take my wife? Why?'" said Sylvester Brinson.
Brinson lost his wife Carrie and their unborn child Friday night. She was 5 months pregnant and they were looking forward to starting a family after four miscarriages.
A couple of weeks ago, Carrie came down with flu symptoms and after a few days she was taken to Rush University Medical Center where tests showed she had the H1N1 virus.
"The first reaction is how did that happen and where did this come from? Was it already lying dormant? So there were questions going on," said Brinson.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, since last spring at least 100 pregnant women have been hospitalized in intensive care. Twenty eight have died.
Brinson says his wife didn't receive the vaccine because he says it wasn't available.
New research released on Monday shows a single dose of the H1N1 vaccine works well for pregnant women.
"The data that nearly all of the pregnant women who received a single 15 microgram dose had a robust response that is likely predictive of protection," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Inst. of Allergy & Infectious Disease.
While the Center for Disease Prevention recommends one dose for pregnant women and healthy adults, officials believe younger children 9 and under will need two doses.
"I think it's very important. I know its a hassle but you need second dose to accurately vaccinate your child," said Dr. Tina Tan, infectious disease specialist, Children's Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Tan says parents should wait three to four weeks between the first and second vaccine for their children. She also says one of the two vaccines should be injectable.
The H1N1 vaccine only became available to pregnant women in the last couple of weeks, which was too late for Carrie. Her funeral will be held November 14.
A bank account has been set up for donations in honor of Carrie Brinson:
Suburban Bank and Trust
Hope Outreach Ministries
Carrie Brinson
3120 West 159th Street
Markham, IL 60428
