Flu clinics canceled across state

Last Update: 10/16 6:03 pm

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WICHITA, Kansas – The demand is high, but the supplies are low and that’s resulting in seasonal and H1N1 flu clinics being canceled and closing down all over Kansas.

It comes as some communities struggle to deal with H1N1. It’s bad enough at one Salina school to cancel Friday night’s football game. St John’s Military Academy is forfeiting to Goessel because of an outbreak of the St. John’s campus.

All the publicity the H1N1 virus has received has also had a tremendous impact on people seeking a seasonal flu vaccine. With both vaccines in such high demand, suppliers simply can’t keep up.

Nearly 900 people packed the Guadalupe Clinic last Saturday to receive a free flu shot – proof that even though there’s been so much talk about the H1N1 virus people are paying attention to the seasonal flu as well.

"We've given numerous flu vaccines this year,” said Dr. Tana Goering, KSN medical editor. “In fact, we've run out much earlier than when we typically run out."

That demand has vaccination companies scrambling to keep up, but they haven’t been able to. As a result, seasonal flu vaccine clinics are being canceled throughout Kansas and other states.

The company that was providing flu vaccines at Towne East and Towne West malls the last few weekends planned on doing so for the next several weekends, but a vaccine shortage has canceled that.

As for the H1N1 vaccine, so far there’s only been enough supply for health car workers. An anticipated shortage for the general public has meant the cancellation of a clinic on the KU campus that had been set up for October 30^th. The Douglas County Health Department has also decided to conduct an H1N1 clinic on the same day.

The shortages of both vaccines have Congressman Jerry Moran very concerned.

"I recognize the challenges the companies face due to the rush to produce millions of doses of the new H1N1 flu vaccine and the increased demand for flu shot this year, but I want to make sure they are aware of the situation on the ground in Kansas,” Moran said.

Moran says he will continue to monitor the vaccine shortage situation very closely. He sent copies of his words to the three manufacturers of both vaccines.

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