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| Tue, Nov. 24 - - Mobile - RSS | |
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SHOT GETTING HARDER TO FIND
There is a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine in the area
Date published: 10/11/2009
BY JEFF BRANSCOME A line wrapped around the Fredericksburg Health Department before a free flu-shot clinic yesterday. It started to rain, so Dr. Roberto Canizares opened the doors at about 12:30 p.m.--30 minutes ahead of schedule. A few hours later, 355 people had received flu shots. Canizares, the clinic's sponsor, said he thinks many turned out for a simple reason: "They're scared of the flu." That's why the seasonal flu vaccine is hard to come by in the Fredericksburg area this year. The Fredericksburg Health Department, Pratt Medical Center, Ukrop's and Walgreens are among those currently out. Passport Health, a private travel shot company in Fredericksburg, has stopped scheduling seasonal flu vaccinations, said Executive Director Jeanette Currence. She said at least 10 percent to 20 percent more people are receiving shots at each of its clinics. For instance, about 500 employees at one corporation received shots last year, she said. More than 800 got them this year. Dr. John Petrasky, director of the Rappahannock Area Health District, said the media attention on swine flu, or H1N1, has created more demand for seasonal flu shots. "You can't hardly read the paper any day where they're not talking about the flu," he said. Petrasky said he's not sure when the Fredericksburg Health Department will receive more doses of seasonal flu vaccine, but said he should have a better idea next week. Robert Alexander, chief executive officer of Pratt Medical Center, said Pratt had used up or reserved its first shipment of 2,500 doses. He said he expects to receive another 2,500 doses by Nov. 5. Pratt was offering flu shots to walk-in patients at its Jack Johnson Campus in Spotsylvania County and its Garrisonville practice in Stafford County. "I feel certain we'll get it--it's just a matter of when," Alexander said. The biggest makers of seasonal flu vaccines in the U.S. are running into delays or cutting back shipments because of the crunch to produce millions of doses of the new swine flu vaccine, The Associated Press recently reported. However, people can still receive seasonal flu shots at several locations, including the CVS MinuteClinic in Spotsylvania. Other CVS stores in the area are having one-day clinics. Some urgent-care facilities, including Prime Care in Spotsylvania, offer flu shots to walk-in patients. And employers such as Geico also are providing them. Meanwhile, Canizares said he had about 250 doses left over. He plans to give them to the residents of local shelters starting tomorrow. During yesterday's clinic, volunteers administered shots in seven exam rooms. Canizares' 7-year-old granddaughter, Emma Chun, even played the violin. Jennifer Forrester of Spotsylvania dropped by with her mother and two children. She said she received a free shot last year at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. "When I found out they were doing it here for free, I figured we could all do it at the same time," she said. One man who asked that his name not be used summed up the clinic in a few words: "Quick, efficient and generous." Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Date published: 10/11/2009
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