Nationwide Flu Shot Shortage
Many Clinics Running Out of the Regular Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Oct 14, 2009
As flu activity continues to increase across the United States, many people are becoming frustrated from not being able to get a seasonal flu vaccine at doctors' offices, clinics and retail drugstores.
Experts say the same drug manufacturers that produce and distribute seasonal flu shots are also busy making the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.
In fact, the United States government ordered 250 million doses of the new 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine from the same five companies that make the seasonal flu shots.
Under Pressure
Drug manufacturers are cutting back shipments or experiencing delays on seasonal flu shots amidst the pressure to produce millions of doses of the new swine flu vaccine, which has become their top priority.
And with good reason.
Dr. Anne Schuchat, immunization director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the current wave of H1N1 is infecting people at higher rates than the February peaks of two of the last three flu seasons.
Demand is Up
Even though the seasonal flu shot does not protect against the swine flu, the Centers for Disease Control says so many more people are getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu this year, and distributors are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand.
Typically, less than 100 million Americans get flu shots. This year, 77 million of the expected 114 million total regular flu shots have already been given.
Schuchat said, "I wish it were easier for people who were looking for seasonal flu vaccine. We are aware that there are difficulties in many communities. There's a delay in more of the seasonal flu vaccine getting out in a lot of areas."
Be Patient and Don't Panic
The CDC insists more seasonal flu vaccines are on the way. "We're expecting a lot more doses in November,'" said Schuchat.
According to the CDC, more than 99 percent of all U.S. flu cases have been swine flu, not seasonal flu. "Swine flu is here right now," Schuchat said. "The regular flu season usually peaks in January." Schuchat said she thinks it will be just fine to be vaccinated in November or December.
Staying Healthy
The CDC recommends taking these preventive actions each and every day:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to keep our distance from each other to lessen the spread of flu.
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