Flu vaccine anyone??!!

[Camperroo]

Well, my doctor isn't expecting to receive any of his ordered flu vaccine and my kid's pediatrician just called to say her order was cancelled. She has the kids on a waiting list for November hoping she gets some in by then. I know for me I'll just be more careful using the antibacterial lotion I carry in my bag for after shopping or meeting customers and shaking hands, but I'm hoping my kids get the shot because one gets asthmatic bronchitis very badly at least once a year and my teen didn't get a flu shot last year and wound up in the ER after passing out at home with a high fever, despite loading her up with Motrin and fluids, etc,...very scary at the time. Can't believe that the manufacturer could mess up the vaccine and why aren't there more manufacturers so no one is caught up ordering such huge supplies from one supplier such as Chiron? Stay well all!!

[DiW]

My son's doctor had him come in to get the flu shot since he's considered high risk (chronically ill, whatever). When we arrived, we found out that there were no "single doses" and the vaccine came in a multiple dose vial with a latex top (to put the syringe through). Well, my son has a life-threatening latex allergy so this was no good. Then one of the doctors suggested he get the FluMist but that was vetoed since it's a live vaccine and only given to "healthy" patients (since it can actually give you the flu). So that option was out. Now I wait while the doctors figure out what Aventis can provide... They suggested we give my girls the vaccine (like last year) so that my son won't catch it from them. In the meantime, he'll be exposed to the other 1000 kids in his highschool.
Diane

[bearbait]

What a crazy situation this is causing.  Like Diane said,  now you have 1000's of kids that are all together in a school system being exposed and all the potential risks that go along with it.

My best guess why their are not as many companies making the vaccine is that it isn't profitable on two seperate fronts.  First,  they can make a lot more money on other drugs,  so why even deal with a less profitable vaccine.  And secondly, if they produce a vaccine,  that's less people getting sick and needing more expensive  medications later on,  thats very counter-productive to their bottom line.  This is purely my opinion,  I have nothing at all to back this claim up.

[HersheyGirl]

I was wondering about this myself, so I finally got to see DrDH this morning and asked him.  So this is what he said.  A drug company must seek FDA approvial to make any drug, including vaccines....they must get licensed by the FDA and obtain a limited patent for that drug...it will cost about 10 million dollars to obtain this license and patent.....they must go through clinical trials for saftey etc. This is why there are not a lot of drug companies willing to spent that amount of money for a one  year drug such as a flu vaccine,(it is only good for really that one flu season, then the next year a whole new batch needs to be made up of a different flu type and the whole process needs to be repeated,including new patent and 10 million dollar license.)  So that is why there are so limited drug companys doing the vaccines....then when one company gets shut down, it really has a big impact on the amount of vaccine in this country.  Remember, all vaccines need to go through the FDA and clinical trials so that we can't just use some from another country.  It also takes about 4 months to grow and make more vaccines.
It takes about 10 million dollars to get any drug approved by the FDA in this country, and then you wonder why perscription drugs cost so much in this country.

[angelsmom10]

Not sure about where you are, but locally, I believe that both Walgreens and Krogers are offering flu shots to those who qualify.  If you have any of those places or check around (maybe call board of health) and maybe with a note from you Dr, you should definitely qualify.  Good Luck!

[wiininkwe]

I noticed that on our 6:00 news last night, it was announced that the Walgeen's and other chains that normally offer flu shots will NOT be doing so this year, along with most of the big companies that usually offer the vaccine to employees.   The recommedation is that only those who are considered "high risk" will get the shots.  But, many people are reported as calling their Dr and DEMANDING the shots.   Now, how is the selection made, and who makes it??

T

[HersheyGirl]

The selection is made on meeting the criteria of what the CDC has announced.  The elderly, children ages 6 months to 36 months(I think that is the right months), people with chronic illness, and health care workers.  All others are asked to forgo getting the flu shot this year. IMHO, I think that it would be a very selfish person to demand a flu shot if that person does not meet the criteria for getting one.  For every flu shot given to a healthy person, a person in true need of one may not get it because of that healthy person, and that sick person may suffer and even die.  I also think that any clinic or Dr. that would give the flu shot to someone who did not meet the criteria, at this time is very unethical and is probably someone whom I would not want to treat me. JMHO.  As time goes on, and more flu shots become available, then the clinics and Drs can offer these shots to the general public.  I don't like getting flu shots myself, as everytime I get one, I get the flu.  Go figure.

[CampNfan]

If I qualify, I wonder if I have the right to give it to someone who "I think" needs it more than I do, but does not Qualify?
Just a thought......
If I qualify......
I would give it to my 7 year old.

[angelsmom10]

As far as I know, locally, Walgreens is still doing it, but ONLY if you qualify.  I'd contact you local board of health and find out from them.

[MommaMia]

There is a shortage and only high risk people are asked to get the vaccine.

Then why was the vaccine offered to the general public at a local mall last weekend for just $15? It was even posted on the electronic billboard outside the mall to try to draw in as many people as possible.

[wiininkwe]

go figure!!!

T

[vjm1639]

There is a shortage and only high risk people are asked to get the vaccine.
 
Then why was the vaccine offered to the general public at a local mall last weekend for just $15? It was even posted on the electronic billboard outside the mall to try to draw in as many people as possible.

The shortage didn't come about until the middle of last week...after one of the two manufacturers had their plant shut down because of contamination.  Several in our area were done earlier in the week.   A few folks got theirs before it was known there would be a huge shortage.

[HersheyGirl]

If I qualify, I wonder if I have the right to give it to someone who "I think" needs it more than I do, but does not Qualify?
Just a thought......
If I qualify......
I would give it to my 7 year old.

Sorry Rick, it just doesn't work that way.  If you qualify, then you get it, no, you do not get to choose.  If you qualify, then you should get it.  If your 7 year old is healthy, then getting the flu should be no more than an inconvenience to him/her and parents.

[MommaMia]

The shortage didn't come about until the middle of last week...after one of the two manufacturers had their plant shut down because of contamination.  Several in our area were done earlier in the week.   A few folks got theirs before it was known there would be a huge shortage.

Hmmmm... I distinctly remember hearing about the botched doses nearly a month ago... when I was in bed recouperating from surgery, so I know the timing is about a month ago.

[NightOwl]

Hmmmm... I distinctly remember hearing about the botched doses nearly a month ago... when I was in bed recouperating from surgery, so I know the timing is about a month ago.

this is true--I saw it in our local paper a month ago and already at that time, our local doctors were telling people they had been told they would not be getting ANY.

Well, it may help reduce the population of old people who clog the roads here (we live near  a resort area-vacation destination) in their huge Cadillacs  in the fall to see the mountains and the leaves and then in the spring to see the mountain laurel and rhododendrons in peak bloom.