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Some flu-shot sessions called off Because the vaccine hasn't arrived, health officials suggest calling or checking the Web before heading to a clinic By BILL KETTLER Delayed delivery of flu vaccines has forced cancellation of some Rogue Valley immunization clinics. Providence Medford Medical Center has postponed its Central Point immunization clinic three times because vaccines have not arrived, and it has canceled a clinic scheduled for Tuesday at the Medford Senior Center. Flu-shot clinics sponsored by Jackson County public health officials may have to be postponed unless more vaccine arrives.
"If we don't have it, we don't have it," said Hank Collins, Jackson County's director of Health and Human Services. "They're saying we may not get a lot of it until December." "The vaccine manufacturers are promising us that we're going to get our full order," said Karen Bartalini, who supervises flu immunizations for Providence. "But they're not giving us shipping dates until about 10 days before they ship." Flu-shot clinics have been scheduled throughout November and into December at a number of Jackson County grocery stores, general merchandise stores and community centers. Collins encouraged people seeking flu shots to confirm that vaccine is available at a specific site before making plans to attend an immunization clinic. "Call the store before you head out," he said, "or check the Web sites." Delays in federal certification of the vaccines have slowed deliveries at sites across Oregon, said Martha Priedman, who manages flu immunization programs for the Oregon Health Division. The delays do not appear to be connected to the appearance of anthrax in New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida. Priedman said the flu vaccines will probably arrive soon enough to protect people from the flu, which usually does not peak in Oregon until January or February. Flu vaccine begins to provide protection within days after injection. Public health officials recommend flu shots for people over age 65 and those with significant health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Many people over age 50 get a flu shot to reduce their chances of spending a week to 10 days sick with flu. Hospitals and health-care organizations order their vaccine in February for the following winter. Manufacturers expect to distribute about 79 million doses of vaccine this year, according to information posted on a Web site maintained by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 87 percent of the vaccine is expected to be available by the end of November. "It's a tough position for the clinics that have to plan ahead to schedule," she said. "It's a tough position for the manufacturers that are waiting for federal approval to release the vaccines." Bartalini said Providence has received about 4,000 of the 7,000 vaccine doses that were ordered, and manufacturers say they will deliver the additional vaccine in "mid-November." Without firm delivery dates, she's reluctant to schedule the popular clinic in Central Point. "I need at least 2,000 doses to open the doors for that clinic," she said. "I'd be silly to open that clinic without at least 2,000 doses." Bartalini said Providence will offer flu shots as long as vaccine supplies last. "Don't panic," she said. "The clinics will continue. It's fine to get (the vaccine) in November." Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492, or e-mail bkettler@mailtribune.com |
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