No flu shot shortage this year
Published 10:47 pm Sunday, September 30, 2007
After years of production problems, rationing, delays and lines, the toughest thing about getting a flu shot this year could be just driving somewhere to get it.
“This year, hopefully, we’re back on track,” said Michele Roberts, who works for the state Department of Health’s immunization program.
The first shipments of flu vaccine were delivered last month. “That just hasn’t happened in the last few years,” Roberts said.
The state has ordered 355,000 doses of children’s vaccine, which will be distributed statewide, Roberts said. Clinics in Snohomish County are expected to get 40,330 doses.
Nationally, 130 million doses of flu vaccine, a record number, are being produced, she said. “Things are looking really good.”
The Snohomish Health District will begin offering adults the shot today. The public health agency is expected to begin offering the shot to children by midmonth.
A number of other local medical groups are making preparations for flu-shot clinics. The shot also is available at many area drug stores. Although prices vary, many local clinics are offering the vaccine for about $30.
Visiting Nurse Services of the Northwest will hold their annual flu shot clinic at the Everett Events Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24.
As an alternative to a shot, the organization will also offer a nasal spray flu vaccine for healthy people who range from 2 to 49 years of age, said Doris Visaya, interim director of clinic services.
The Everett Clinic has ordered 17,000 doses of the shot for adults and 6,100 doses for children, said Dana Cooper, who coordinates ordering and distribution of the vaccine.
“Last year, I’d give it a C,” she said the clinic’s ability to get adequate flu vaccine.
This year, no delays, restrictions or shortages are expected, said Dr. Yuan-Po Tu, who tracks flu issues for the group of clinics. “We don’t have any fears that there’s going to be a shortage this year.”
Providence Physician Group has ordered 5,800 adult doses and 6,000 pediatric doses.
Group Health will kick off its annual flu shot campaign at its Everett Medical Center on Nov. 2.
“We encourage people to come in as early as they can,” said Dr. John Dunn, who works on immunization issues for Group Health.
Delays in getting annual flu vaccine date back to 2000. Late-arriving shipments caused local clinics to ration the immunizations to seniors and others with chronic health problems that made them most at risk of serious health complications from the flu.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
@2. Breakout Header:Where to get a flu shot
Flu shots are available at area medical clinics, the Snohomish Health District and many area pharmacies. Check the Web site flucliniclocator.org for locations by ZIP code of where the shots are available. Visiting Nurse Services of the Northwest will hold their annual flu shot clinic at the Everett Events Center from 9 to 2 p.m. Oct. 24. Check their Web site at www.vnsnw.com for information.
Flu vaccine is recommended for:
n Children 6 months to 59 months old n Adults 50 years and older n Anyone who has chronic health conditions n Pregnant women n Anyone with household contacts or caregivers of people 50 years and older, anyone who lives with someone with chronic medical conditions or children younger than 5 years old. n Anyone can get a flu shot unless they have an allergy to eggs. n Nasal influenza vaccine is for people age 2 to 49 years who are healthy.
Source: Snohomish Health District
