(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a note from medical center officials about a shortage of seasonal flu vaccines.)
A shift in focus by manufacturers to develop a vaccine for the novel H1N1 influenza has slowed the production and delivery of the seasonal vaccine and created a temporary shortage.
Patients and front-line health care workers are our highest risk populations and will be given first priority to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
At present, persons without direct patient contact should not seek seasonal influenza vaccination.
Arrangements will be made for other employees to receive the seasonal flu vaccine when more becomes available.
The medical center will resume delivery of seasonal influenza vaccine to clinics and patient care units for patient administration as soon as it becomes available.
Please keep in mind that seasonal influenza strains are not circulating in the community and are usually not encountered until December or January.
Therefore, patients and health care workers should be reassured that receipt of seasonal vaccine in November or December will still be protective.