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Local flu shot clinics cancelled

State limits flu vaccine to high-risk persons only

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

The shortage of influenza vaccines has led the Georgia Department of Human Resources to declare restrictions on who can get the vaccine at public health clinics across the state.

The Fayette County Health Department has cancelled its planned flu clinic for Tuesday, Oct. 12. Also, officials noted no flu shots will be given until further notice once approval comes from officials from District 4 Public Health.

The department apologized for the inconvenience and officials said they had no control over the state action.

“We will, however, inform the public as soon as the present restriction is lifted,” said County Nurse Manager Cynthia D. Grant.

Officials project to have 413,000 doses of the Aventis Pasteur flu vaccine, though only 138,000 doses are currently available.

Public health clinics will only offer the vaccine to people in high-risk groups, including:

• All children ages 6-23 months.

• Adults 65 and older.

• Health care workers involved in direct patient care.

• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months old.

• Persons ages 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions.

• All women who will be pregnant during the flu season.

• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

• Children ages 6 months to 18 years who are on chronic aspirin therapy.

Public health clinics will charge no more than $20 for each vaccine, officials said.

State health officials are working with private vaccine providers to assess the vaccine supply and get vaccine to people in the high-risk groups.

“We are working with a wide range of partners in the private healthcare and business communities to get the state’s influenza vaccine to the people who need it most,” said Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, director of the DHR Division of Public Health. “We applaud their work in directing their vaccination efforts to those most at risk and appreciate their continued support this flu season.”