Almost no flu vaccine

Those whose health puts them at serious risk from the flu could be in trouble this winter.

Orcas Family Practice, at the site of the medical center, and the Lopez Island Medical Clinic are without vaccine other than that for children who are at risk, although both are keeping their fingers crossed that some will become available prior to the start of the winter flu season.

Orcas Family Physicians, however, has about 300 doses on hand, Dr. David Shinstrom said, contending that he was able to get the vaccine by ordering early.

The private practice at Airport Center will begin offering flu shots on Oct. 19, but only to those who qualify as being at risk. In this category are children ages 6-23 months, adults 65 and older, persons 2-to-64 years with underlying chronic medical disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, children 6 months-to-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy, health care workers with direct patient care, and out-of-home care givers and people who share a household with children under six months old. Others who qualify as being at risk are adults and children with required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]).

Those who hope to get a flu shot, but don’t fall into those categories, can contact Orcas Family Physicians, where they will be put on a waiting list. If there is still vaccine available after Oct. 28, they will be able to get a shot at that time, Shinstrom said.

The flu shortage isn’t confined to San Juan County. About half the influenza vaccine planned for in the United States will not be available this year. One of the manufacturers of the vaccine, Chiron, in England, has been closed by authorities in that country, and the manufacturer has stated that none of the vaccine that the company made will be distributed.

San Juan County’s plight mirrors the national shortage, according to the county Health Department. About half the vaccine ordered for use in the county was to have come from Chiron. This includes all the adult vaccine normally received by the Department of Health and Community Services.

Only vaccine for high-risk children, which is provided by the state, will be available from the department, local clinics and private practices.

San Juan Health and Community Services will continue working with state and national officials to provide the largest possible number of doses to those who are most vulnerable.

It is early in the "flu season," and the county is hopeful that things will change. Residents can call 378-4474 for the latest information.

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