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09/23/2009 09:54:00 PM CDT
Temporary shortages of seasonal flu vaccine shouldn't deter people from getting shots this fall, Minnesota health officials urged Wednesday.
The cancellation of some walk-in flu clinics in the metro area isn't indicative of a widespread vaccine shortage, said Kristen Ehresmann, who directs immunization programs for the Minnesota Department of Health. Rather, it reflects strong public demand.
"So many Minnesotans have been responding to our calls to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza this year that the supply in the pipeline hasn't been able to keep up with the demand," she said. "But more vaccine is on the way, so keep checking back with your provider to find out when they will have it."
Ehresmann's announcement came a day after HealthPartners suspended its walk-in flu-shot clinics because of a diminished supply of vaccine.
The Bloomington-based health provider still is providing shots by appointment, though.
The University of Minnesota had to reschedule two flu-shot clinics as well, because of supply problems.
Other flu-shot providers reported no shortages.
The Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency has an adequate supply of vaccine to continue its clinics at 68 area Cub Foods grocery stores. CVS/pharmacy is to announce today that it will provide free doses of seasonal flu vaccine to unemployed Minnesotans, as well.
The state's supply of vaccine ebbs and flows every flu season ? as some providers get their full shipments early while others get only partial shipments and have to wait until the middle of fall for the rest. Health officials are more sensitive to any suggestion of a vaccine shortage this season, though.
First, the national supply of seasonal flu vaccine should be more than enough to cover demand. Second, the combination of illnesses from seasonal flu and the new H1N1 influenza could overrun hospitals and clinics.
Vaccinating as many people as possible for seasonal influenza will preserve health care resources for people who suffer H1N1 infections.
An H1N1 vaccine will be available next month but in limited doses. State health officials don't expect the bulk of the vaccine to arrive until at least November, which may be after the peak of the H1N1 outbreak.
To gain full protection, people must receive shots for seasonal flu and H1N1. The initial supply of H1N1 vaccine is likely to be reserved for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children, health care workers and people with chronic diseases.
Jeremy Olson can be reached at 651-228-5583.
Temporary shortages of seasonal flu vaccine shouldn't deter people from getting shots this fall, Minnesota health officials urged Wednesday.
The cancellation of some walk-in flu clinics in the metro area isn't indicative of a widespread vaccine shortage, said Kristen Ehresmann, who directs immunization programs for the Minnesota Department of Health. Rather, it reflects strong public demand.
"So many Minnesotans have been responding to our calls to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza this year that the supply in the pipeline hasn't been able to keep up with the demand," she said. "But more vaccine is on the way, so keep checking back with your provider to find out when they will have it."
Ehresmann's announcement came a day after HealthPartners suspended its walk-in flu-shot clinics because of a diminished supply of vaccine.
The Bloomington-based health provider still is providing shots by appointment, though.
The University of Minnesota had to reschedule two flu-shot clinics as well, because of supply problems.
Other flu-shot providers reported no shortages.
The Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency has an adequate supply of vaccine to continue its clinics at 68 area Cub Foods grocery stores. CVS/pharmacy is to announce today that it will provide free doses of seasonal flu vaccine to unemployed Minnesotans, as well.
The state's supply of vaccine ebbs and flows every flu season ? as some providers get their full shipments early while others get only partial shipments and have to wait until the middle of fall for the rest. Health officials are more sensitive to any suggestion of a vaccine shortage this season, though.
First, the national supply of seasonal flu vaccine should be more than enough to cover demand. Second, the combination of illnesses from seasonal flu and the new H1N1 influenza could overrun hospitals and clinics.
Vaccinating as many people as possible for seasonal influenza will preserve health care resources for people who suffer H1N1 infections.
An H1N1 vaccine will be available next month but in limited doses. State health officials don't expect the bulk of the vaccine to arrive until at least November, which may be after the peak of the H1N1 outbreak.
To gain full protection, people must receive shots for seasonal flu and H1N1. The initial supply of H1N1 vaccine is likely to be reserved for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children, health care workers and people with chronic diseases.
Jeremy Olson can be reached at 651-228-5583.
