Wednesday, October 14, 2009

No clear answer yet on getting swine flu vaccine

Some Manatee County physicians will receive their allotment of the swine flu vaccine today -- although there are only 600 of the nasal spray doses to go around in this first batch, as reported in today's story.

That seems unfairly low,especially since the county requested 1,700 doses, but no one outside of Tallahassee seems to know exactly how they're being doled out.

(AFTERNOON UPDATE: In addition to the 600 vaccines, the county learned today that the state has shipped 2,200 directly to private health providers throughout Manatee County who requested more than 100 doses and had their request approved by the health department. And they hope for more as soon as Friday.)

The medical jury is still out on the vaccine's effectiveness. Heck, sitting in my own doctors' waiting room the other day, the doctors in that office are divided on whether to get a vaccine, or wait for more research. And the nurse who took my blood insisted she wasn't going to take the risk -- she'd rather wear a mask.

But the threat is real, and the flu season is just starting. Ronald Cox, Manatee County Health Department’s director of epidemiology, is keeping us updated on any developments here. And you can check the Center for Disease Control's website for weekly national and international updates.

-- Joan

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

All Purpose Healthcare, Inc., located at 707 60th Street Court East, Suite A, Bradenton, Florida 34208, received its first shipment of H1N1 vaccine. While the initial quanity is limited, weekly shipments are expected. The nasal spray H1N1 FluMist vaccine is an available alternative to the standard H1N1 flu shot. Sine it is a live but weakened virus vaccine, it will be available only for healthy people ages 2 to 49. All Purpose Healthcare, Inc. is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to ensure those at the highest risk for H1N1|(swine) flu and its related complications are vaccinated first. The cost of the vaccine is $ 20.00. All Porupose Healthcare, Inc. can provide on-site immunization programs to pre-schools and corporate businesses. Children ages nine and under will need two doses of vaccine, given at least three weeks a part to get the best protection. Those who have received the nasal spray seasonal flu vaccine will have to wait at least 28 days before getting the nasal spray H1N1 vaccine. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (941) 750-0375 for more information and/or set up an appointment.

Thanking You In Advance.

Chelsea Reed, Administrator