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White House Says “No Vaccine In Guantanamo” or “On the Way to Guantanamo”…But Is That True?

November 03, 2009 4:36 PM

Jake Tapper and Luis Martinez report:

The White House today seemed to indicate that detainees at Guantanamo will not be able to receive immunizations for the H1N1 flu.

“There is no vaccine in Guantanamo and there's no vaccine on the way to Guantanamo,” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said when asked about a report that detainees would be able to get the vaccine.

So the Pentagon was wrong when it confirmed that on Friday? Gibbs was asked.

“ I don't know what the Pentagon said,” Gibbs said. “I know in asking yesterday whether or not there was any vaccine there or whether there was any vaccine that was on its way, the answer to both those questions was no.”

It is technically correct that there is no vaccine currently at Guantanamo or literally on the way to Guantanamo. But a Defense Department official says that H1N1 vaccine is scheduled to be sent there at the end of November.

Through the Department of Health and Human Services, the Pentagon has placed an order with Novartis for 2.7 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, at a total cost of $16.1 million. 

As those shipments come in they will be distributed according to the Pentagon priority list, which requires that those troops already deployed to combat or about to deploy receive it first.  Detainees are also on the Pentagon’s list, but will be eligible to receive the vaccine only after all US military forces have received the vaccine.

The vaccine will be mandatory for guards at Guantanamo. The Pentagon official said it will be offered to the detainee population, but it is left to the individual detainee if they want to receive the vaccine.   For historical comparison, the seasonal flu vaccine has been offered in the past with 25 percent of the detainees agreeing to be vaccinated.

Following the Pentagon’s priority list, the first doses the Pentagon received were made available to deployed troops.  During the week of October 26 , 208,730 all the doses of the H1N1 vaccine received by the Pentagon were sent to Central Command to cover approximately 50% of their deployed troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.   The remainder were to receive the vaccine this week.

-Jake Tapper reported from the White House and Luis Martinez reported from the Pentagon

November 3, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (20)

User Comments

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tierra..."hope you didn't die from it." Wow, what a cold, unfeeling thing to say....I also had the swine and I would not wish that virus on ANYONE, even a liberal who supposedly wants everyone to be taken care of through a National Health Care system......sheez...I am more liberal than tierra is with statements like that...

Posted by: Parallex View | Nov 4, 2009 1:20:18 PM

"NEW YORK (CBS) ―

"In the end, all the stumping in the world from the President of the United States wasn't going to stop regime change in New Jersey's highest office.

"Republican Chris Christie ended Democrat Jon Corzine's four-year run in Trenton with a narrow victory on Tuesday, The Associated Press projected. Independent Chris Daggett, thought of by many as the wildcard who could upset the order of things by siphoning off votes from Christie, finished well back."

This is vox populi. This is unmitigated triumph. This is napalm in the morning. This is victory.

I note with great glee that the usual left-wingers have scurried from the field, and are not being heard from on this night of glory for the American people. Tails tucked between their legs, they have retreated into long-overdue silence.

Huzzay!

Posted by: Fascist Hyena | Nov 3, 2009 10:21:44 PM

Why not open a full investigation on the corrupted organization of ACRON?
I learnt that OBAMA once was a lawyer for Acorn. He once said "their agenda is my agenda ...".

I was a dem before. but I changed to Independent. Sorry, this is the change OBA-MAO brought to us dem supporters.

Posted by: talk from sf | Nov 3, 2009 8:01:01 PM

Did Gibbs actually answer the question??? I have come to expect double talk and #### over seemingly SIMPLE questions. I read the simple question and then I wince knowing what's coming....pathological liars...and I think the BS comes straight from BO and is channeled through Gibbs. He's just a victim of his boss's inability to speak truth.

Posted by: mjishernameo | Nov 3, 2009 7:44:32 PM

"Through the Department of Health and Human Services, the Pentagon has placed an order with Novartis for 2.7 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, at a total cost of $16.1 million.

"As those shipments come in they will be distributed according to the Pentagon priority list, which requires that those troops already deployed to combat or about to deploy receive it first. Detainees are also on the Pentagon’s list, but will be eligible to receive the vaccine only after all US military forces have received the vaccine."
__________________________________

You right wingers should learn to read.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 7:27:04 PM

Nobody called the vaccine makers 'evil'.

But manufacturers were not able to deliver the amount of product they promised in the time they promised. They are however shipping millions more vaccines even as we type - so they're catching up fairly quickly.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 7:24:09 PM

"tierra - they will be vaccinated before me... you know why? Because I just had the flu - no vaccine was available."
__________________________________

I hope you didn't die from it.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 7:23:23 PM

The world has gone crazy. In Dallas County, Texas - illegal aliens who provide proof they reside in Dallas County can get the vaccine but American citizens with insurance cannot because private doctor's offices do not yet have it.

Posted by: Pambo | Nov 3, 2009 7:10:46 PM

tierra - they will be vaccinated before me... you know why? Because I just had the flu - no vaccine was available.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Nov 3, 2009 7:03:17 PM

Jeesh. The "detainees" are being guaranteed vaccine - yet around here, no one can seem to get it. By the time anyone here will be able to get it, we will have all had the flu.

Posted by: ellsbells930 | Nov 3, 2009 7:01:52 PM

"Yesterday it was the evil vaccine makers."
__________________________________

Nonsense. Nobody called the vaccine makers 'evil'.

But manufacturers were not able to deliver the amount of product they promised in the time they promised. They are however shipping millions more vaccines even as we type - so they're catching up fairly quickly.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 6:57:52 PM

Gibbs calling the Pentagon liars.

Yesterday it was the evil vaccine makers.

The day before that Bush for (insert problem).


Gibbs sounds just like Charlie Gibson with his "briefings".

"Gitmo terrorsits getting flu shots?"

"Never heard of it."

Posted by: tiara | Nov 3, 2009 6:18:35 PM

Don't know about detainees but in California my 8 month grandson is on a waiting list at his pediatrician for a vac while I just read that L.A.Public Health Dept is handing what they get in to anyone who requests it (long lines)....but does encourage kids and pregnant women first yet does not refuse anyone who waits in line??????? Gee wonder who is getting them over legalized residents...Dare I suggest..............

Posted by: Parallex View | Nov 3, 2009 6:13:49 PM

"Did the White House have to change their plans because their little secret leaked out?

"Giving detainees vaccines before Americans. Sounds just like the Obama Administration."
_____________________________________

So right wingers not only lie about people in Guantanamo receiving vaccinations ahead of regular Americans, they then convict the administration of being guilty of 'changing' things WITHOUT ANY PROOF whatsoever.

We could use you on a jury to convict people with no evidence or proof required - perfect for a little right wing fascist state.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 6:08:11 PM

The Obama Administration could probably get away with it.
The MSM has his back not ours.

Posted by: kyle | Nov 3, 2009 6:04:20 PM

Awwww
Did the White House have to change their plans because their little secret leaked out?

Giving detainees vaccines before Americans. Sounds just like the Obama Administration.

Posted by: hank | Nov 3, 2009 5:59:37 PM

"oh Tierra you liberals love to be ignorant about the lies and corruption of government. The article concludes that detainees are on a list to get the vaccine"
__________________________________

No, the right wingers were claiming the detainees were being vaccinated ahead of regular Americans. Another right wing lie.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 5:56:57 PM

I don't believe a lot of what this white house says.

Posted by: rachel | Nov 3, 2009 5:12:36 PM


oh Tierra you liberals love to be ignorant about the lies and corruption of government. The article concludes that detainees are on a list to get the vaccine

Posted by: Scott | Nov 3, 2009 5:05:33 PM

Good grief. Now we find out those right wingers claiming terrorists were being given vaccines in preference over Americans is just - wait for it - another right wing lie.

Posted by: tierra | Nov 3, 2009 4:55:06 PM

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