Delivery Of Flu Shot May Be Delayed

(AP) — Some healthy Connecticut residents may not be able to get a flu shot this year because of problems in the production of the influenza vaccine, the American Lung Association says.

Officials with the lung association and other groups that annually provide state residents with more than 100,000 vaccinations say that while the potential for a vaccine shortage exists, they are taking steps now to ensure that all “high-risk” people get shots before the traditional onset of flu season next month.

“We don’t know yet whether there will be a shortage, but we’ll know more in the next couple of weeks,” Ann Levison, manager of lung health programs for the lung association in Connecticut, said Monday. “They’ve had trouble growing one of the vaccine strains, so while some of our clinics will start in October, many won’t start until November.”

Even with a shortage, Ms Levison said there will be enough vaccine for high-risk people.

“But it may be that healthy people may not be able to get a shot this year, or maybe not until December,” Ms Levison said.

People at “high risk” of influenza include anyone over 65 years old, with chronic heart, lung, or liver problems, or with a weakened immune system.

Ms Levison said anyone with questions about flu shots, including people trying to find out where they can get one, can call a telephone hot line that will go into service in October. That number is 888/NoToFlu.

Influenza cases usually occur from about November until April, with activity peaking between late December and early March.

The optimal time for vaccination of persons at high risk for flu-related complications is usually between October and mid-November. It takes up to two weeks after vaccination for antibodies against influenza to develop and provide protection.