Seasonal flu vaccine is in short supply in Springfield-area stores, clinics

by Marie Saavedra, KY3 News

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Story Updated: Oct 15, 2009

SPRINGFIELD -- Shipments of the seasonal flu shot have been around for awhile, but the early birds got the worm on this one. In some cases, if you want the vaccine, you'll need to be patient.

Nearly every Walgreen's store in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark and Branson is out of the seasonal flu vaccine. Many stores tell customers they may not get any more doses. Even some doctors offices tell patients they're canceling vaccination clinics.

"The amount we have is reduced because most of the companies went offline to produce the swine flu, or H1N1 [vaccine]," said Dr. Jim Rogers of St. John's Health System.

That's right, you can blame that other vaccine for the lack of this one.

"We received less than our full allotment, about 60 percent of our full allotment," said Rogers. "So. to work with that, we've been prioritizing with our high-risk patients."

If you're worried you won't get your seasonal shot, don't be. Experts say the companies who stopped to make the H1N1 vaccine are back to making more seasonal vaccines. The next round of doses will likely not be in stores, however, so head straight for your doctor.

"We've been told by some suppliers to look for November," said Rogers.

So doctors say be patient, wash your hands and keep calling your doctor's office to check on new shipments.

"I believe, overall, when it's all said and done, we will have enough seasonal flu vaccine," said Rogers. "It's just coming later than we'd like it to."

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