Demand for the vaccine is high but the limited supply is forcing the Health department to focus on the groups with highest risk for complications from H1N1 influenza.
As the vaccine is rationed to counties, the Health Department expects vaccine to continue to arrive over the next few weeks or months. The health department said as the vaccine comes in it will immediately offer to the people as they come in to clinics and by offering extended hours. At times, extended hours clinics are being offered on the same day that vaccine arrives.
Health department spokesperson Ms. Shelly Walker said, “The demand for H1N1 flu vaccine in the region is high. Tennessee was allotted vaccine based on population, and the state orders every dose made available for Tennessee as soon as it can be ordered.”
Senior citizens who are usually high priority for the seasonal flu vaccine are concerned about the swine flu and are unhappy about the lack of focus on them.
Ms. Walker said when seniors were explained that their age group is less likely to contract H1N1 flu than others- most of them are very understanding.
“We are asking everyone, not just senior citizens, who is not in a high priority group for H1N1 vaccination to show their volunteer spirit by being patient and letting those who are at high risk for contracting this virus and from suffering serious complications from the illness be the first to get the vaccine.” Ms. Walker said.
“It is difficult to predict when vaccine shipments will arrive, as with our senior citizens, we are working to educate the public about the need to let those in high-priority groups be vaccinated first as they are most at risk for H1N1 flu.”
Debbie Johnson, Upper Cumberland Regional Director for the Department of Health said the CDC has assured that we will eventually have enough vaccine for everyone who wants it
But it may take weeks, if not months, for everyone to get the vaccine.
Anyone with questions about H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccine can also call the Putnam County Health Department at (931) 528-2531 or contact the Tennessee Flu Information Line at 1-877-252-3432. Information is also available on the health department web site at http://health.state.tn.us/H1N1.htm
Sumanth Garakarajula can be reached at Sumanth@journalist.com or 347 767 6466.
