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FLU VACCINE SHORTAGE MEANS NO FLU CLINICS

LINCOLN COUNTY -- A shortage of flu vaccines have put the brakes on the Lincoln County Health Department hosting community flu clinics for the public and county employees during the month of October.

According to Lincoln County Health Department director Maggie Dollar, health department officials learned distribution of the regular flu vaccine is going to halt for the time being.

“Apparently the vaccine distributors have been ordered to stop distributing of the regular flu vaccine for the time being, and to instead use their resources to begin distributing the H1N1 vaccine, which they say should be ready for shipment by next week,” said Dollar on Friday.
 
The LCHD has only received 300 doses of their order so far and these are allocated for their patients who meet priority criteria (those over 65 and those adults with chronic conditions).   

With only approximately 20 doses left, unfortunately the Health Department will have to cancel all its planned Community Flu Clinics in October as well as the County Employee Flu Clinics.
 
“There is a chance, but no guarantee, that the LCHD may receive more regular seasonal flu doses later perhaps in November (after H1N1 distribution),” said Dollar. “At that time, the LCHD would schedule open clinics.” 

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