Martin Baxter wrote:
"The government could — and should — prevent subsequent shortages by
buying a certain amount of vaccine each year", what heresy is this?

Next thing you'll want the government to fund and operate a health care
system, you'll become like the rest of the industrialized world where
everyone can get essential care without going broke. Of course you might
have to wait for a bit to get that non life threatening rhinoplasty.

Actually, the U.S. health care system is far more socialized than
anybody wants to admit. The flu shot is an example of poor managemement,
but for the most part the system works pretty well for both ends of the
spectrum... it puts a heck of a squeeze on the people in the middle though.

For example, you can get a very wide range of treatment & most
inoculations for free at a state run clinic... of course you have to
wait in a long line. You can also get free medical care at any major
hospital emergency room... again, you might have to wait in a long line.
At the opposite end, there is a rising trend for "boutique" health care
offices for people who don't mind paying a lot for service. They even
make house calls... for a price.

However, if you're a middle class schmuck who can't take 3 days off to
go fight the crowds & fill out paperwork at the county health dept, then
too bad for you. I think this will change, as everything tends to come &
go in cycles. But meanwhile the biggest problem is that Americans of
both political stripes seem to fervently believe that there *must* be
such a thing as a free lunch!

Regards
Doug King