Better safe ...

Governor vows to find money for flu vaccines

We believe keeping Americans healthy and strong is of paramount importance. The governor of Maryland must think that way, too.

Last week, Gov. Martin O'Malley vowed to “spare no expense” in safeguarding citizens from swine flu, saying officials will use so-called rainy day funds or do whatever is fiscally necessary to achieve that end.

His comments came following a meeting between health and emergency management officials and members of the gubernatorial Cabinet. The session was held in Annapolis to bring everyone up to date on plans to handle what is expected to be a rash of autumn swine flu cases.

Ironically, local health departments, which will distribute the vaccine to thwart the spread of the virus, are reeling from $20 million in state budget cuts.

Uncle Sam is chipping in, with two federal grants totaling about $9 million to help plan a state response to the potential outbreak. Maryland is set to receive another $15.6 million in federal money for the actual shots.

John Colmers, secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said the “vast majority” of the money will go to health departments on the county level to reach the uninsured and for “other public clinics.”

Leaders are expecting the vaccine to be available in mid-October, and health officials are still deciding how to get the initial supplies of vaccine to those considered most vulnerable, including people between 6 months and 24 years of age, and pregnant women.

So far, Maryland has reported seven swine flu deaths.

With assurances of protection from the governor and federal dollars on their way, residents should be breathing easier.