Federal officials now say that the U.S. will receive about a third of the anticipated number of swine flu vaccines. The federal health and Human Services spokemen said that this amounts to a delay due to manufacturing issues not a permanent shortage. More doses will arrive weekly until the full ordered doses arrive.vaccine-1

Locally, Health Officer Dr. Rick Johnson confirmed that the Eastern Sierra will hold seasonal flu clinics in September and H1N1 vaccine clinics in October and November. The Swine Flu or H1N1 vaccines involve two shots three weeks apart.

Because of the delayed delivery of vaccines, Dr. Johnson said that the shots that will be available will target the most vulnerable. That includes the young, pregnant women and health care workers or first responders. Dr. Johnson said 50% of the population equals the target population.

Plenty of seasonal flu shots will be available. In fact, the shots have already started to arrive. Clinics will start after Labor Day.

Dr. Johnson continues to advise that those who contract flu-like symptoms should stay at home, and others should wash their hands frequently.

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading