Delays in shipping
slow arrival of increased
flu vaccine supply

Officials urge restraint to let at-risk
patients get treatment first

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Star-Bulletin staff

More flu vaccine will be available this year than last year, but supplies will be delayed because only three companies are making the vaccine instead of four, the state Department of Health Immunization Program reports.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 79 million doses of flu vaccine are expected to be available this season -- about 4 million more than last year.

Because deliveries are running late, however, healthy people are urged to postpone shots so elderly and other high-risk candidates can be vaccinated first.

As many as 20,000 Americans die from flu each year, according to information compiled by the state Immunization Program.

"Such loss of life is preventable," said David A. Neumann, director of the National Coalition for Adult Immunization.

"Too often, people do not get the vaccinations they need to protect themselves."

Those considered most at risk include:

>> People aged 65 and older and those 50 and older if they have other risk factors.

>> Residents of nursing homes and other facilities housing people with chronic illnesses.

>> People with chronic heart or lung disorders.

>> Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and immune suppression.

>> People aged 6 months to 18 who receive long-term aspirin therapy.

>> Pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season.

>> Health care workers.

All Medicare Part B members can receive flu and pneumonia vaccinations at no charge.

Many doctors, hospitals, supermarkets, discount outlets, drugstores, community clinics and health centers will give shots.

For information on vaccination locations, call Aloha United Way at 275-2000 on Oahu or toll-free 877-275-6569 from the neighbor islands.

More information about the flu also is available at the state Health Department Web site at www.state.hi.us/doh or from the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/nip/flu.