Flu Fear Frenzy Causes Shot Shortage
Across Connecticut, there is a shortage of flu shots
By SUSAN GOODMAN
Updated 12:00 PM EDT, Tue, Oct 13, 2009
Less than two weeks into the flu season, panic over the possible swine flu pandemic has caused a seasonal flu shot shortage in some places.
The seasonal shortage comes after pediatricians’ offices were already telling patients that the seasonal flu vaccine was delayed until the end of the month.
CVS on Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill has posted a sign that reads, “We are temporarily out of flu shots.”
Walgreens stores in Wethersfield, Newington and Glastonbury are also all out.
That frustrated Rocky Hill resident, Carolyn Dinardi, a healthcare worker who's worried about how this is impacting the elderly.
"This is ridiculous. I'm not really sure why they are running out. They said they had enough but apparently they didn't. My heart goes out to them because I don't know what they're going to do,” she said.
It seems that concerns over the swine flu have caused a real run on the seasonal flu vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 77 million doses of the seasonal shot have already been shipped, the most ever shipped at this time of year. More vaccine should be arriving in Connecticut by the beginning of November.
Some CVS pharmacies do still have flu shots available, including the store on Boulevard in West Hartford.
That CVS will hold a flu clinic on Friday at 10 a.m. If you’re looking for the vaccine, call your local pharmacy to find out if they are holding a clinic and when.
First Published: Oct 13, 2009 10:47 AM EDT
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