Flu shots should be plentiful for those who want one this year. But some might have to wait.
Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public health and commercial providers said they would only vaccinate those at highest risk from the flu first. This includes the elderly and the chronically ill. The CDC has recommended that healthier and younger people wait until Oct. 24 to start lining up for shots. But there should be plenty around.
"We've more than doubled the number of clinics we did last year," said Shane Luquire, an account manger for the Augusta office of Maxim Health Systems, which conducts many pharmacy and on-site flu shot clinics. The company plans about 75 clinics this year and will probably give out between 10,000 and 15,000 shots, Mr. Luquire said.
"Right now, there's really no foreseeable shortage that we anticipate," he said. One of the first of those clinics will be Saturday at a CVS Pharmacy in Aiken. Nationwide, the company is expecting to deliver 2.2 million to 3 million shots, said Steve Wright, national director of wellness services.
"We're anticipating somewhat of an initial higher demand ... thinking, 'Oh, it might happen again, like last year,'" when manufacturing problems wiped out about half the initially available flu shots, Mr. Wright said.
That manufacturer, Chiron Corp., has since received favorable inspections from British health authorities and the Food and Drug Administration, alleviating some fears of another shortage and the long lines from last year. In the Augusta area, that interest is still high, Mr. Luquire said.
"The phone's been ringing off the hook," he said. "It's been very busy. We'll still continue to schedule clinics as we go through" flu season.
The East Central Health District, which includes Augusta, is ordering 13,000 shots, about 500 more than last year, said Melba McNorrill, the child health and immunization coordinator.
It has received about a fourth of its order and was hoping for more on hand before counties begin scheduling clinics, perhaps as early as next week. That's what people are wanting, said Jane Oglesby, a facility administrator for the Richmond County Health Department.
Until it can schedule its clinics, Columbia County Health Department is taking names and phone numbers, said facility administrator Phyllis Roland.
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.
Who should get a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that those at highest risk from influenza be vaccinated first. Healthier and younger people should not seek a flu shot until Oct. 24. Among those considered high risk:
- Those age 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People living in longterm-care facilities
- Those 2-64 with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes
- Children age 6 months to 23 months
- Health care providers involved in direct patient care
- Those living with or providing care to children younger than 6 months old
Maxim Health Systems will conduct on-site flu shot clinics Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CVS Pharmacy, 2062 Whiskey Road in Aiken, and at Eckerd Drugs, 137 S. Main Street in Allendale.
For more information on clinics and other scheduled sites, go to: www.findaflushot.com
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