News

Health officials say flu vaccine supply is catching up

By SEAN ELY, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Monday, November 30, 2009 11:05 AM EST

More than 6,500 H1N1 influenza vaccinations have been distributed to Shiawassee County residents.

And according to Courtney Herrick, more good health news is on its way.

“We're starting to get an increase in vaccine allotments through the Health Department, as they're pushing it to providers who participate with us,” she said. “Pharmacies will be receiving allotments as well in the next couple weeks.”

Herrick, the Shiawassee County emergency preparedness coordinator for the Health Department, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday during the chapter meeting of the Michigan Township Association at Caledonia Charter Township Hall, hosted by New Haven Township.

She will brief officials and residents about current H1N1 health updates, flu reports in the area, an update on the vaccination, its current priority group and locations for community vaccinations. A question-and-answer session will conclude her presentation.

Currently, the priority group for vaccination includes: healthy individuals 6 months to 24 years old; individuals 25 to 64 years old who have underlying health conditions, such as lung and heart diseases; pregnant women; caregivers of children under 6 months and emergency service workers.

While demand has decreased, Herrick said the last thing the Health Department wants is to sit on vaccine when people want it. A steady flow of deliveries has been made in the last few weeks, compared to months ago when it was virtually nonexistant.

Herrick said by mid-December, once the Center for Disease Control has a chance to see Shiawassee County's progress in vaccinating the priority groups, officials can move on to the remainder of the general public.

A community vaccination is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Baker College Welcome Center. Children 9 and younger need a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine and can get it then, as well as the general public.

“If we start to see a dramatic increase in demand, we will schedule another,” Herrick said. “We're quite content to serve people here at the Health Department.”

The airborne FluMist vaccine is recommended for individuals 2 to 49 years old who do not have any underlying health conditions.

The elderly population above 64 years of age is at a much lower risk of obtaining swine flu.

“There have been a few bumps along the road but now the process has gone very smoothly,” Herrick said. “There has been great cooperation with the school districts, vaccinating seven of the eight districts. We always have good turnouts at the clinics and collaboration with physicians.”

The Health Department alone has given 3,500 vaccinations. Herrick said to call the Health Department, 743-2356, to schedule a vaccination.

Comment on this Story

Kim wrote on Dec 1, 2009 3:24 PM:

" Let's face it: the "old people" are certainly not going without. That age group uses a disproportionate amount of the available health services. The H1N1 virus seems to be easier for younger people to catch, hence the priority groups. "

Nancy wrote on Nov 30, 2009 8:13 PM:

" I'm still waiting for my turn to get a shot..........now that the whole country has had the swine flu. "

Me wrote on Nov 30, 2009 6:32 PM:

" Another good goverment health department policy. Let the old people go with out. They are to old to worry about. so much for goverment run health care. "