Shanghai might start producing Tamiflu

Shanghaiist's left shoulder is a little sore right now. Why? We got injected with a flu vaccine today. For free. And we didn't have to wait in line. (And no, we didn't get the shot from this guy.) We'd tell you where we went to get this shot, but we figure you don't feel like driving to Pennsylvania.

Have no fear, Shanghai may be home to many a flu shot soon. The AP is reporting that Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group has contacted Roche about manufacturing Tamiflu -- thought to be the "best defense against a possible flu pandemic." This news gave those worried that global supplies would fall short a dose of hope. (Although everything Shanghaiist has read suggests the global supply will most definitely fall short.)

The AP story also tells us that the rush to make more Tamiflu has upped the price of Chinese star anise (八角 bājiǎo or "eight-horn") -- a spiky spice that most living in China have almost choked on at one time or another -- by 14 percent to 4 yuan per kilogram. It's a key ingredient in Tamiflu ... and should not be confused with Japanese star anise -- that stuff will kill you.

Also on Shanghaiist:
Sole Search: Bird flu cleaning Shanghai’s shoes
OK, now we’re worried about the bird flu