[Targo]

I called my GP to get a seasonal flu shot and was put on a waiting list. What's up with that? I notice that many of the seasonal flu shot clinics run by various businesses and organizations aren't having them.

Just got off the phone with my sister in NC [Triangle area] and she said you can walk into a Krogers [supermarket] and get either H1N1 or seasonal without a wait.

What's VT doing wrong now?

[arctichomesteader]

I think more vaccines are going to the more urban states than rural ones like VT. Seems so, anyways...

[68vette]

I work in health care and we are having to ration our vaccines as well. The states that are getting hit harder are a priority. Our H1N1 rates are very small compared to states like Texas. More vaccines are on the way, but it will be a long time before everyone who wants one gets vaccinated.

[Sherylcatmom]

Swine flu shot frenzy fizzles: Rutland Herald Online

[68vette]

Update from the Centers for Disease Control During the week of November 8-14, 2009, influenza activity decreased slightly in the United States. Flu activity remains widespread in 43 states (including Vermont). Nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness declined from last week, but are still higher than expected for this time of year. Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have declined slightly, but are still very high nation-wide compared to what is expected for this time of year. Over 99% of the typed influenza strains have been the 2009 H1N1 subtype.

Recently CDC has revised its estimates of the U.S. H1N1 pandemic. Approximately 22 million (range of14 – 34 million) Americans have become ill, and 98,000 (range of 63,000 – 153,000) have been hospitalized. There have been an estimated 3,900 deaths (range 2,500 – 6,100) including 540 (range 300 – 800) pediatric aged patients.

Vaccines are still in short supply. The news is not covering the flu as it did well over a month ago (out of sight, out of mind). This could be one of the reasons people are not showing up at some clinics. Still if you are older or don't meet the guidelines to get the vaccine, you still may not get it if the people who do qualify don't show up. The vaccine will just be sent to areas where there is a demand.

The national shortage of seasonal flu vaccine continues, manufacturers remain focused on H1N1 vaccine production. This is another concern because the seasonal flu claims thousands of lives per year as well.

[MRVphotog]

Plenty of vaccine, not enough demand
Dwindling flu clinic crowds puzzle nurses: Times Argus Online

[68vette]

I would hope everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine gets it. I work primarily in critical care and have seen first hand how devastating this strain is on people and their families. Just because it's not in the news every night does not mean it is no longer a threat. This is only November. The flu season is hardly upon us.

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by 68vette

I would hope everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine gets it. I work primarily in critical care and have seen first hand how devastating this strain is on people and their families. Just because it's not in the news every night does not mean it is no longer a threat. This is only November. The flu season is hardly upon us.

I think one of the biggest problems in trying to keep this thing under control is getting people who are sick to stay home. I know it's a hard thing to do in light of the all the economic issues most of us are trying to get through.