Wilsonville Spokesman Online

Flu vaccines still delayed, but coming 'soon'

Health officials stress prevention tactics

• Published: 10/22/2009 12:05:53 PM

As H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations continue to be delayed in reaching the public, health officials are asking for patience and stressing prevention tactics that will remain vital until the population is adequately protected against the disease.
 
The Centers for Disease Control announced Friday that the H1N1 vaccine yield was lower than anticipated: although 40 million doses had been estimated for nationwide distribution by the end of October, there will likely be only 28 to 30 million.


“This kind of delay commonly occurs during flu vaccine production; it’s just the biology of the virus,” Dr. Mel Kohn, director of the Oregon Public Health Division, said at a Friday news conference. “No corners are being cut when it comes to the safety of manufacturing this vaccine. It’s meeting the same high standards as the seasonal flu vaccine.”
 
As of Friday, Oregon had received approximately 80,000 doses – about five percent of the amount needed to cover the priority groups, a Department of Human Services press release said. More vaccines had been scheduled to arrive this week, but a Wednesday DHS update changed its tune slightly, saying “more is expected soon.”
 
Since Sept. 1, 326 people in 20 Oregon counties have been hospitalized with influenza-like illness and eight have died. Dr. Kohn said that because the H1N1 flu season is expected to last well into the spring, the vaccine will be helpful whenever it arrives.
 
Until mass supplies of the vaccine arrive, however, health officials are stressing the importance of preventive measures: wash hands and use hand sanitizer frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.
 
“The H1N1 vaccine is coming, but not as quickly as we would like,” Kohn said. “We know that demand for the vaccine is very high and we are asking people to be patient until it comes to their community and to keep checking back with the (Oregon flu) Web site or hotline for more information. Although we wish we had more vaccine to give now, there will still be value in vaccinating people in the coming months.”
 
Individuals in the priority vaccination groups – including children ages 6 months through 24 years, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions (especially respiratory problems such as asthma) – will first be eligible for the vaccine.
 
Vaccines, available in nasal spray or injection form, can be obtained at two Clackamas County locations. A vaccination clinic at 168 Warner-Milne Road in Oregon City, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays conditional on supplies, provides no-cost vaccinations on a walk-in basis. The Beavercreek Clinic, at 1425 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City, gives vaccinations by appointment; call 503-655-8471.
 
The state flu Web site, www.flu.oregon.gov, posts flu updates and clinic information. A statewide hotline, 800-978-3040, provides similar information. County information is available at www.clackamas.us/swineflu or by calling 503-722-2777.

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