MicrobeWorld

According to an Associated Press story, pharmaceutical companies who are manufacturing the H1N1/Swine flu vaccine and federal officials associated with its distribution will be granted legal immunity from lawsuits spurred by any side effects the new vaccines may cause. The document granting these legal exceptions was signed by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and is based on provisions of a 2006 law for public health emergencies that is designed to encourage drug companies to make vaccines in times of need.