Doctors, Clinics Say Flu Vaccines Going to Retailers Instead of Them
Posted on: Saturday, 29 October 2005, 00:00 CDT
Some West Virginia doctors and health clinics say they believe flu vaccine supplies are going to large retailers instead of them. Past years have seen flu vaccine shortages because of manufacturing problems. But this year, ample supplies have been produced to cover high-risk populations.
The problem seems to be with the companies that distribute the vaccine, said Evan Jenkins, executive director of the state Medicaid Association.
"There's a high level of frustration out there," Jenkins said of his members. "We still have what appears to be a dysfunctional distribution system."
Some doctors ordered their flu vaccines months ago, but are still waiting for delivery. Others have received only a fraction of what they were promised.
Meanwhile, retailers such as Wal-Mart and Kroger are offering flu shots to anyone who pays for them. Doctors need the vaccine to protect high-risk patients, Jenkins said.
The flu season hasn't started yet in West Virginia, but is expected to pick up between November and April.
Some local health departments have used up their allocation of flu vaccine. The state Department of Health and Human Resources is asking health departments with extra vaccine to share their supply, said DHHR spokesman John Law.
"The folks in our immunization program tell me there is not a shortage this year," he said. "There is more vaccine on the way."
Certain hospitals and other clinics also are experiencing a delay in receiving expected supplies of the vaccine, but they are expected to receive the vaccine they ordered.
Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has plenty of vaccine this year, said executive director Dr. Kerry Gateley.
Since Oct. 1, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has given 6,500 doses of the flu vaccine to people at high risk of complications.
Source: Charleston Daily Mail
Related Articles
- H1N1 Flu: Are Parents Underestimating Risk to Kids?
- Direct Medical Systems Signs Distribution Agreement With Butler Animal Health Supply
- Denise Kmetzo, MPH, Joins Roux Associates to Head Up Its Health &Amp; Environmental Risk Assessment Practice
- TODAY: IBG Addresses Health Care Industry Risk Mitigation
- Hungary Has Enough Bird Flu Vaccine to Protect People at Risk: PM
- Commissioners Told County Not Ready for Pandemic Flu ; Health Officials: Staff, Funds Strain to Keep Up
- Pneumonia Death Not Caused By Bird Flu: Health Ministry
- County Flu-Shot Supply Short
- Kids' Flu Outbreaks Predictors of Epidemic, Doctors Say
- Aetna Announces Convenient Option for Members to Receive Flu Shots; Company Urges Vaccination for Members in High Risk Groups
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds