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Flu vaccine: Better late than never
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As the weather turns cooler the annual ritual of getting a flu shot comes up on many student calendars – but the date may be later this year.
The vaccine is taking longer to get to Idaho health providers, due to supply issues at the manufacturer level.
According to Cindy Howarth, immunization supervisor at the Central District Health Department, vaccine manufacturers distribute the shots at their discretion.
“The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has tried to get some control over that, but it’s still in the hands of the manufacturers,” Howarth said.
High-risk persons are usually the first to get the flu shot early in the season to build tolerance.
Jayne Nelson, BSU Health and Wellness director, said high-risk groups include people with asthma, lung problems and heart problems.
Health care providers and the elderly also receive the first shipments of the vaccine.
Howarth hopes this year’s distribution follows this pattern, though she knows some people are giving shots locally already.
She said the high cost of early distribution limits the center’s ability to serve high-risk people.
“We ordered a small amount at a high cost, so we can have a little bit in October,” said Howarth.
More of the shipment will arrive in November, with the remaining supply scheduled for December.
At the BSU Health Center, the first half of their supply will arrive in late October.
Nelson also plans to mete out the vaccine to those in high-risk categories, with general student vaccinations to follow.
“We will also probably give immunizations to athletic teams and groups travelling out of town because they can bring the disease back to campus,” she said.
Despite the trouble early in the season, the delay shouldn’t affect the flu season in the general public, said Howarth.
“It’s probably better because the flu season doesn’t usually get here until January or February,” she said.
Howarth said the immunization usually takes two weeks to build up protection following the shot.
The CDC studies the spread of the virus and decides which strain to immunize against each year.
“They usually do a pretty good job,” said Howarth.
Nelson said the vaccine will be made available to students for $8 and $12 for faculty and staff. Student insurance covers the shot.
She encourages students to get the vaccine before going home for Christmas, and suggests getting it before finals week to stay healthy for tests.
Matt Neznanski