Hawaii’s flu shot
supplies fall shortThe state's dwindling inventory
of vaccines will be kept in
reserve for high-risk residents
The state Health Department will restrict its remaining supply of flu vaccine starting next week to protect high-risk residents against the illness.
State epidemiologist Paul Effler said yesterday all of the department's vaccine is going to the 11 public health clinics for high-risk groups.
The groups include children ages 6 months to 23 months, adults 65 or older, pregnant women in their second or third trimester and people over 2 years old with underlying chronic diseases.
Effler said it seemed last week that there would be enough vaccine for all people wanting flu shots, but high demand has reduced the supply.
"Now we want to protect people most likely to have a bad outcome," Effler said.
The flu outbreak on the mainland has caused about three dozen deaths in children and teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is unclear how that figure compares with previous years.
Effler said the Health Department has 800 adult doses and 1,600 pediatric doses of flu vaccine, and it expects to receive 400 adult doses tomorrow from the Hawaii Medical Service Association.
High-risk patients who want a flu shot must see their doctor and get a signed referral form to go to a public-health nursing clinic. The doctor should call the clinic to see if vaccine is still available and make an appointment for the patient, the Health Department said.
Effler said that most vaccine in the state was ordered by private physicians, who have been asked to give priority to high-risk patients. Many of them also have already used their supply, he said.
Effler said flulike illnesses in Hawaii are increasing, with doctors in the state surveillance system reporting just less than 6 percent of patients showing symptoms.
The peak traditionally occurs after the holidays, and last year was 8 percent to 9 percent of patients during a mild flu season, Effler said.
He said 70 Hawaii influenza cases have been confirmed; 69 were flu strain A and one strain B. About 75 percent of mainland cases tested have been the more severe Fujian strain, which has not been identified here, he said.
The vaccine covers the A and B strains.
The Fujian strain is slightly different, Effler said, "but we anticipate good protection."
Residents are encouraged to call Aloha United Way's help number, 211, to find a clinic with the vaccine. Last week, the United Way listed 20 clinics with vaccine; now there are about 15, Effler said.
"The clinics that we're referring to right now are only providing vaccines for people who are uninsured, high risk and children," said Amanda Jones, Aloha United Way assistant vice president in marketing and communications. Some will only give shots to patients of the clinic or residents in the area, she said.
"Each one is different so it is kind of confusing," Jones said. "Call 211, and, based on a person's individual need, they (specialists) can tell them what's available."
The call line is busy but it is open 24 hours, so people should continue to call, she said.
The Health Department also suggests healthy people ages 5 to 49 ask their doctor for FluMist, a new nasal spray flu vaccine.
If their doctor does not have it, patients can look for a provider on the Web site www.flumist.com.
The nasal-spray vaccine, licensed this year, contains weakened live influenza viruses, instead of the killed viruses in flu vaccine, and it is administered by nasal spray instead of injection.
According to the CDC, the mist will not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness, and in studies it proved effective in reducing influenza illnesses.
HMSA provides the same level of benefit for FluMist as it does for the regular flu shot, but a member's out-of-pocket cost is higher, said Cliff Cisco, HMSA senior vice president.
Effler said people who are not high risk and are basically healthy who cannot get a flu shot might have "an unpleasant illness" but will be OK. Antiviral medications are available to treat flu.
To avoid contracting the flu, Effler said to stay away from people who are sick, wash hands often and keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.