“In the event that we receive any flu serum, we will have to prioritize the distribution according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) priority guidelines. The severe shortage will restrict our ability to provide vaccines to groups beyond our direct healthcare providers.”

As were many other healthcare providers, Alleghany Regional Hospital was directly affected when the hospital’s sole provider for the vaccine was suspended from manufacturing the vaccine. That action made by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom reduced by approximately one half the expected supply of flu shots available in the United States for the 2004-05 influenza season. “At this point, we have no vaccine to give,” stated Cindy Durham, spokesperson for the hospital. “We were able to place a small order with the other manufacturer, but were given no guarantees that we would receive even a minimal number of doses.” 

The hospital recommends that people check with their primary care providers to see if those offices were able to get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control has identified priority groups to receive the influenza vaccination which includes: children aged 6-23 months; adults aged 65 years and older; persons aged 2-64 with underlying chronic medical conditions; all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children aged 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy; healthcare workers involved in direct patient care; and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months. 

For more information, call 862-6229.