Oct 9, 2009 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Clinics Nationwide Run Short On Flu Vaccine
Many Rushing To Get Vaccinated Only To Find Out Seasonal Shots Are Already Wiped Out
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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The vaccine for swine flu is dominating the headlines, but the lines are building for the seasonal flu vaccine and some people were even denied a shot on Thursday. (File)
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There's been a lot of talk about the swine flu vaccine, but now a number of states say they're experiencing a vaccine shortage for the regular, seasonal flu.
Amy Parsons of Yonkers wanted to get the flu shot for her children before a big outbreak.
"I was kinda confident that I was going to be able to get the flu shots today and that the H1N1 were around the corner and it sounds like neither of them are close," Parsons told CBS 2.
With urgent warnings to get the seasonal flu shot, parents like Parsons are trying to get their kids vaccinated, only to find out in some areas there are shortages.
"That does cause some anxiety with parents as far as not being able to have the vaccine right now," said pediatrician Dr. Tom Angello.
Many states have also been forced to shut down flu shot clinics. The Centers for Disease Control said manufacturers are rushing to produce the H1N1 vaccine, hurting production of the regular flu shot.
"Some have adjusted their calendars in order to make sure that they got the H1N1 vaccine out," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease.
The CDC insists more seasonal flu vaccines are on the way. About 7 million doses went out this past week. Still, it will take several weeks to get the full supply they need. Doctors like Angello are trying to reassure worried parents.
"Be patient, wait, and you'll get the flu shot," he said.
Parsons just wants to keep her family healthy.
"A sick child is not fun and I don't want to be sick either," she said.
The CDC said there's no reason to panic. Typically the regular flu season doesn't hit hard until the winter months.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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