The H1N1 virus is pretty much widespread across the US now and there’s not enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone trying to get it. 60 Minutes explores why by reporting on the manufacture, distribution and safety of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Five companies are making vaccine, but only one in America. 60 Minutes visits that facility and talks to Sam Lee, director of manufacturing technology at French drug company Sanofi Pasteur.

In the plant as clean as a hospital operating room, Sam Lee talks about the vaccine manufacturing process using eggs in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. The whole process takes about three months. Sanofi Pasteur has a federal contract to make 75 million doses. They will go through millions of eggs. Apparently, there are secret egg farms in the US as part of a $7 billion project launched five years ago by the Bush administration to build factories and infrastructure to make vaccine in case of a pandemic. (Hope the egg usage doesn’t affect other food supply and prices like ethanol gas did just a couple years ago.)

BTW – if you’re going to see a health professional about a flu shot, we suggest you also asked to be tested for hepatitis B, which affects 1 in 10 Asian Americans.

H1N1 vaccine report on 60 Minutes (Check Sam Lee at the 3:40 mark)