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Flu Clinics Canceled Due To Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Supplies Run Out Earlier Than Usual

POSTED: 6:15 pm PDT October 21, 2009
UPDATED: 8:22 am PDT October 22, 2009

Several flu clinics have been canceled due to a seasonal flu vaccine shortage.

A nationwide shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine has hit close to home. Concentra Urgent Care in the southwest has had a busier than usual flu season so far. So busy, Dr. Sevag Balikian said their supply of the seasonal flu vaccines have run dry.

"This year we did see a lot of patients come in asking for the seasonal influenza vaccination, so we got through those reserves rather quickly. People are aware and they are trying to be more responsible this year than others," said Balikian.

Concentra is not the only facility to run out of the seasonal flu vaccine. Rite Aid posted a sign on their door saying their flu clinics have been canceled. CVS Pharmacy had a flu clinic planned for Thursday, but had to cancel when they ran out and Walgreens said they are not administering the vaccine anymore.

Even though Geanetta Hinojos said her doctor recommended she get the seasonal flu shot, but she decided not to.

"I don't believe in taking the shots because I feel whatever I'm going to get, whatever God is going to do to my body is going to happen anyway and I don't want them to shoot me with what's already there," she said.

Sissy Rucker said she would be skipping the shot this year also.

"I might consider the swine flu when the vaccination is available for people my age, but regular influenza, I'm not that concerned about," she said.

So will more supplies be coming in?

"At some point, I don't know if they are going to manufacturer the seasonal influenza vaccinations and if they do we will get a shipment in and use them," said Balikian.

Concentra is on a list to get the H1N1 vaccine. Balikian said he doesn't know when it will come in but when it does they will administer it to high risk patients first.

Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens said they will not be receiving the H1N1 vaccine.

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