Supply of flu vaccine getting scare

As the flu spreads, the supply of seasonal flu vaccine seems to be dwindling. A November flu-shot clinic at the Vintage House senior center has been canceled for lack of vaccine, as have two clinics at Rite Aid.
Sonoma Valley Hospital ran out of the vaccine Oct. 10 and plans for one or two-day clinics at Pharmaca and CVS are on hold.
At Safeway, a pharmacy source said Wednesday, “supplies are running low. We’ll probably run out.”
Rite Aid had planned a November clinic but was told by its vendor that no vaccine was available. “I don’t know if we’re going to get another date,” said Stephanie Gilliand, pharmacy technician. “Right now it’s not looking so good.”
The California Department of Public Health blames the shortage on a backlog at the manufacturing level.
The drug companies that make the vaccine for seasonal flu also produce the H1N1 vaccine, which is in priority demand by the California Department of Public Health.  As a result, “they are about 20 percent behind in orders,” said Mike Scillia of the California Department of Public Health.
“We’re not worried about it,” he said. “Eventually there will be plenty.”
The department of health stresses that to protect against the two flu strains, the two different vaccinations are necessary.
“We’re talking about parallel vaccination programs,” said California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton, admitting there will be some confusion. “It must be emphasized, to be properly covered, you need both.”
Limited amounts of the H1N1 vaccine have begun arriving in California. Hogan said production will increase towards the expected availability of 20 million doses.
“The system is in place to deliver and administer the vaccine to anyone who needs it,” he said.
Hogan said that intense study of the disease has lead to a few policy updates. Individuals 10 years and older will only need one dose; originally, the plan called for two shots for everyone. Also, he said, and contrary to initial concern, “the elderly seem to be somewhat protected” from H1N1, perhaps having developed an immunity from previous exposure.