CNN/AP: CDC: Deliveries will ease flu-shot shortages

[DeepModem Mom]

CDC: Deliveries will ease flu-shot shortages
Friday, November 11, 2005


ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Scattered flu shot shortages around the country should be eased by 10 million new doses scheduled to be delivered this month, a top federal health official said Thursday.

Private companies and state and local health care providers buy most flu shot doses, but the federal government is buying more than 900,000 doses this month to shore up supplies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 71 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed so far, despite delivery delays and shortfalls from manufacturers. Some doctors, health departments and companies have had trouble getting vaccine, and some have canceled vaccination clinics.

Fortunately, the flu season is off to a gentle start, said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding.

"If we continue along this track, we expect there's time for most people to have their vaccine," she said at the CDC's Atlanta headquarters....


http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/11/11/flu.shots.ap/index.html

[GrumpyGreg]

1. What is this frenzy the last few years with flu shots?

I don't get all the excitement.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Some folks really need them: elderly, immune deficient, etc.

Bushco screwed up last year, and there wasn't enough vaccine. Nobody envisioned they'd screw up again this year. Where I live, there were flu shots available everywhere, until recently, when the supply ran out. Someone I know in L.A. had shots scheduled by her company. Everybody signed up to get them, and a few days ago a memo went out that there was no vaccine available, so the scheduled shots were cancelled. So, here we go again.

[GrumpyGreg]

6. Last year when there was a shortage my MD had enough for the

at risk patients. I was one of them because of my age.

When I was at her office she told me that she was astonished at how many of her patients (young and healthy) were in a rage because she couldn't accommodate them because they had very busy lives and couldn't "afford" to be sick.

She also had one 98 year old patient who refused to have a shot so that someone who needed it more could have it.

Amazing the difference in the actions of humans,isn't it?

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Indeed!

[murray hill farm]

2. In the park that is just outside of my front door here on Isla Mujeres, Mx

The local health dept..set up tables...and everyone..including me..lined up for our free hep a, tetnus and flu shots..it did not matter that i am not a mexican citizen..free to all...so, if there is a shortage of flu vacine in the usa...not a problem for me..ahhhhh socialized medicine..i kept thinking how very nice it would be if such free immunizations were available to evryone in the usa.

[JanusAscending]

4. Hey mexicopat !

I got my flu shot today, from my Dr. The supply was delayed in getting to Ct., same as last year. I'm beginning to think that if you're a "blue state" you have to wait longer! I'm 66 yrs.old, and have COPD, so I really needed it. Do you recall last year when there were shortages, then all of a sudden we had an influx of Vaccine? There was a lot left over that didn't get used, therefore it became outdated and couldn't be used. What a waste, and it's all from the Administrations' BAD PLANNING ! Just like everything else they are involved in, this is a result of hiring "cronies" and mismanagement. We should be able to fire bush for his ineptness alone, let alone his lying and treason!

[murray hill farm]

5. So true what u say!

i am glad u were able to get yours, at least! When i was in line in the park yesterday, it was such a plesure to see the families and the children..all able to get these shots and immunizations for free..sure not the case in the USA, where so many will just do without because they do not have the money to go to their doctors and pay for them...and i thought too, that i am not a mexican citizen..but still, all i had to do was sign my name to get the shots..and that i was not discriminated against because of my lack of citizenship here. In the spring of the year, they will set up booths again..and get this...for animals..so that people can bring their pets to get immunized..again.all for free. A lot to be said for socialized medicine, eh! u and i are the same age..i am 65 in january...and enjoying it very much.