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What's New? The Flu and You Q&A 
11/1/2004 - Q: Is there enough flu vaccine in Massachusetts to meet everyone's needs?
A: The immediate answer is No-although a distribution plan is still not final. According to the state Department of Public Health (DPH), Massachusetts was expecting to get 454,000 doses of additional flu vaccine as part of an overall national redistribution effort. This represents roughly 65% of the 700,000 dose order originally placed by the state for the 2004-2005 flu season. About two-thirds of the state's original order came from Chiron, the company that stopped shipping flu vaccine when the British government shut down its production. The state began distributing flu shots to pediatricians in September, but when the manufacturer's shipments were halted, the DPH temporarily held off sending more doses out to doctors. By mid-October, the state declared a public health emergency due to the vaccine shortage, and ordered all health care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and others to limit vaccines to persons in "high risk" and to report the number of flu vaccine doses they have in stock via a web-based reporting system. "High risk" includes the following groups of seniors: " Everyone 65 years of age and older " Anyone with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes and weakened immune systems. " Residents in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities " Health care workers who work directly with patients. The DPH recommends you call your doctor and ask if you've been given the pneumonia vaccine. If not, make an appointment to get one. If you can't get a flu shot, there are still some basic precautions you can take to lower your chances of getting, or passing on, the flu: " Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand gel frequently. " Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. " Avoid public activities, like going to malls, senior centers, etc. for at least five days if you have symptoms of the flu. " Don't share items that can spread germs and viruses, like drinking cups, straws, or other items you put in your mouth. " Clean things that are touched often in the household, such as: doors, refrigerator handles, phones and water faucets. The flu season usually doesn't arrive until December, with a peak in January and February. So its not too late to get a flu shot even in December. The DPH has a flu toll free hotline number (866) 627-7968 where you can get more updates on vaccine supply, or go to their website, www.mass.gov/dph/flu. Back to What's New?
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