Isles unsure of flu
vaccine supply

The state Department of Health has determined that Hawaii received about 230,000 doses of flu vaccine this year, most of the shipments arriving before news of a vaccine shortage broke earlier this month.

What isn't known is how many of those flu shots have already been dispensed and how much vaccine is still available for people in high-risk groups, said Laura Lott, a Health Department spokeswoman.

Lott said based on census estimates, it appears that about one in five people in Hawaii can get a flu shot. However, she said it is still possible that some people in high-risk groups who want a flu shot might not be able to get one.

The Health Department and the Hawaii Medical Service Association have a limited supply of about 6,000 doses of flu vaccine.

Lott said the department is working with HMSA and physicians to determine the best way of distributing the vaccine statewide to high-risk patients who have not gotten a flu shot. Limited clinics are being planned for next month.

High-risk groups are infants ages 6 to 23 months, adults 65 years and older, the chronically ill, and pregnant women.

Health care workers and caregivers are asked to receive the nasal flu vaccine instead of a shot.

With the flu season approaching, Lott said people who become sick this year should stay home rather than expose others at work. Another way to protect yourself against the flu is to wash your hands frequently.