Jefferson County residents considered in “medical risk” health groups are likely to receive influenza vaccines this year.
It’s doubtful others will
But many planned shot clinics around the county that were put on hold Wednesday were rescheduled Thursday.
Thursday’s actions and the limits on who gets vaccinated follow this week’s sudden national vaccine shortage.
British regulators on Tuesday unexpectedly shut down a major flu-shot supplier, citing manufacturing problems at the Chiron Corp. in England, where roughly 46 million doses destined for the United States had been manufactured.
That means only about 54 million flu shots from a competing firm, Aventis, will be available in the 50 states this year.
Babies ages 6 months to 23 months, adults 65 and older and others with “high risk” health conditions only qualify for flu vaccines under state health department and federal Centers for Disease Control criteria.
Those with long-term health problems, such as heart, lung or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes and anemia, also fit that definition.
Clinics reinstated
After a day of uncertainty Wednesday, Port Hadlock QFC Pharmacy Manager Phillip Matt on Thursday said the pharmacy would conduct its vaccination clinics as scheduled, but only high-risk adults 18 and older and seniors will qualify for flu vaccinations.
“We do know that we’re going to continue with our clinics,” Matt said, adding that he expected to receive between 600 to 700 doses prior to the pharmacy’s first clinic Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brinnon Senior Center.
The pharmacy also plans clinics Oct. 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the QFC Pharmacy, 1890 Irondale Road, Port Hadlock.
QFC is also planning a clinic in Quilcene at a time to be announced.
“I will be first come, first served, but only people in high risk,” Matt said.
