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October 2, 2009
KANSAS CITY, MO - <!-- P2P_LIVE_EDIT "content_item_dateline_preview" END --> Some shipment delays are causing problems for some people wanting to get flu shots. The Red Cross had to postpone some of their flu shot clinics. And, while it's not considered a vaccine shortage at this point, it is a delay.
Places we called like Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are still giving out flu shots every day. But, if your doctors office is running low, they might have a tough time ordering more vaccine.
KU Medical Center and Hospital lined up all their students and staff Friday. They have plenty of vaccine available to get everyone a shot.
"We did a two hour clinic this morning and we saw more than 400 people," said Employee Health Manager Jan Wesselmann, RN.
But, it wasn't just about giving shots. It was a drill for an emergency response protocol. In a crisis biohazard or pandemic, the system will help them get medicine or vaccines to 400-500 people in an hour.
"But, that's how it's designed. Move a lot of people through very quickly, so if you need to give people... say everyone is exposed to a deadly disease and you need to give everyone medication very quickly... this is the system that is designed to do that," said Wesselmann.
It was good practice and a convenient way for medical students to get his or her flu shot.
"We were also recommended by our dean since we have patient contact that we really need to get vaccinated too," said KU medical student Tyler Thress. "So, even if it's not for me, we have a responsibility to make sure we're not carrying it for people who are more susceptible to diseases."
Wesselmann said there's not a vaccine shortage at this point. KU's pharmacy has plenty. But, many places just didn't order enough. They weren't expecting to see so many patients.
"Because more people are afraid, we're seeing more people getting their regular seasonal flu shots and that's causing some shortages because we weren't prepared for it," said Wesselmann.
For a list of Red Cross flu clinics that had to be canceled: http://www.kcredcross.org/
KANSAS CITY, MO - <!-- P2P_LIVE_EDIT "content_item_dateline_preview" END --> Some shipment delays are causing problems for some people wanting to get flu shots. The Red Cross had to postpone some of their flu shot clinics. And, while it's not considered a vaccine shortage at this point, it is a delay.
Places we called like Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are still giving out flu shots every day. But, if your doctors office is running low, they might have a tough time ordering more vaccine.
KU Medical Center and Hospital lined up all their students and staff Friday. They have plenty of vaccine available to get everyone a shot.
"We did a two hour clinic this morning and we saw more than 400 people," said Employee Health Manager Jan Wesselmann, RN.
But, it wasn't just about giving shots. It was a drill for an emergency response protocol. In a crisis biohazard or pandemic, the system will help them get medicine or vaccines to 400-500 people in an hour.
"But, that's how it's designed. Move a lot of people through very quickly, so if you need to give people... say everyone is exposed to a deadly disease and you need to give everyone medication very quickly... this is the system that is designed to do that," said Wesselmann.
It was good practice and a convenient way for medical students to get his or her flu shot.
"We were also recommended by our dean since we have patient contact that we really need to get vaccinated too," said KU medical student Tyler Thress. "So, even if it's not for me, we have a responsibility to make sure we're not carrying it for people who are more susceptible to diseases."
Wesselmann said there's not a vaccine shortage at this point. KU's pharmacy has plenty. But, many places just didn't order enough. They weren't expecting to see so many patients.
"Because more people are afraid, we're seeing more people getting their regular seasonal flu shots and that's causing some shortages because we weren't prepared for it," said Wesselmann.
For a list of Red Cross flu clinics that had to be canceled: http://www.kcredcross.org/
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