I think we discussed this on another thread but I can't find it. This article can be found at www.the-dispatch.com

AP State News

November 04. 2005 11:34AM

Flu shot availability crimped by delays

By The Associated Press

Public health officials say there will be plenty of flu vaccine this year, but shipping delays and increased demand have created the appearance of a shortage because vaccination clinics across North Carolina have been canceled.

"It shouldn't be such a hassle to do something like this," said Gordon Rauschenberger, who arrived two hours early at a drug store's clinic in Charlotte but left without an injection.

The store ran out of vaccine, as did two grocery stores contacted by the retired sales executive. Retailers such as Eckerd, Harris-Teeter and Lowes Foods have said they canceled clinics because suppliers had no vaccine.

Maxim Health Systems, the company that provides flu shots in 35,000 locations across the country, said it scheduled clinics in grocery and drug stores before it knew supplies would arrive late.

"We're in the same boat as everyone," said spokesman Chris Hayes in Durham. "It's really a day-to-day process right now."

Doctors' offices also are running short of vaccine, if they got any at all.

Naomi Slifkin, nursing supervisor at The Family Doctor office in Chapel Hill, said she usually gets about 900 doses, but hasn't received any this year.

"We have no flu shots and no idea when or if they'll arrive," Slifkin said. "We have no idea what's going on. People are calling, anxious for flu shots."

Vaccine is being manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc., MedImmune Vaccines Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and Chiron Corp. Chiron has a backlog and its Web site said the company is producing less than expected.

FDA officials say they are working with the companies to be sure there is a sufficient vaccine supply.

Brian Letourneau, director of Durham County's Health Department, urged patience.

"It's still very early in the (flu) season," Letourneau said. "I don't see any reason for people to become overly concerned about access to flu vaccine. Our information from federal and state sources is that the supply is adequate, and it's coming intermittently, as expected."

Dave Nowakowski of Durham said the clinic he attended ran out of vaccine before he got a shot.

"I made it through last year" without a shot, Nowakowski said. "(The homeopathic treatment) Airborne and Nyquil will get me through again this year."