DENVER—
The Swine Flu outbreak is prompting many rumors to circulate about the H1N1 vaccine, and when the shots will become available. There is also confusion surrounding who has the drug, who doesn't, and who can get it.We spoke with Colorado state and county health officials, and a pediatrician's office, and they all agree. The public is clamoring for H1N1 flu shots.
Under CDC guidelines, the vaccine is being given only to "front line" public health workers and very high risk patients.
"Very little vaccine was available in the first shipment," said Dani DeBardi of the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association.
Parents hearing all kinds of rumors are flooding agencies and doctor's offices with frantic calls about vaccine availability. "Nobody is hiding it. Nobody is stashing a supply. Nothing along those lines," said DeBardi.
Some county health departments have distributed limited doses to large pediatric providers for a few dozen high-risk children. Many planned H1N1 vaccination clinics in each county continue to be cancelled until the trickle of vaccine picks up.
The hold up can be blamed on unexpected problems with manufacturing the H1N1 vaccine.
The shortage comes at a critical time; parents' anxiety is growing and the illness is spreading.
"I think you'll see a broader availability by mid to late November," said DeBardi, "And again, that availability would be for the priority groups that have been established by the CDC and then after that I think you will see availability for anyone who wants to get vaccinated."
Counties are planning on a week-by-week basis how to distribute what little vaccine they get. You should check with your local health department to find out when things might change.
Health experts still emphasize good hygiene practices like hand washing, covering up coughs and sneezes, staying home if you're sick, and getting that H1N1vaccine when it becomes available.
