Local clinics deal with a shortage of flu shots, only high-risk patients patients to receive shot
A shortage of flu shots has prompted District Health Department #4 to change its criteria for who is eligible for the vaccinations. Using authority granted from the Michigan Public Health Code, the Michigan Department of Community Health issued an “Emergency Order” October 14 to control influenza vaccinations. It directs health care providers in Michigan to: limit influenza shots to persons in high risk categories; cooperate with each other and the local health department to coordinate vaccination of high risk individuals; and to post the “emergency order” in locations where vaccines are administered. Anyone who violates this order could face misdemeanor charges and jail time, according to a memorandum from Joshua Meyerson, District Health Department #4 medical director.
“WE ORDERED 1,000 flu shots, like we’ve given every year for many years,” said Dr. Tom Allum from the Rogers City Medical Group. Earlier this month, Michigan Department of Community Health director Janet Olszewski called together representatives of the Michigan Association of Local Public Health (MALPH) following the announcement that a major U.S. supplier — the Chiron Corporation — will not be providing any of the approximately 50 million doses, or about half the nation’s supply, that had been expected this year. “Our partners in this effort have all agreed that our No. 1 priority is to ensure that vaccine is first distributed to those that will need it the most this season,” Olszewski said. “We believe the coordination of the flu vaccine supply will be critical as we work to protect Michigan’s most high-risk populations.” Some of Allum’s patients, many of whom have been scheduling appointments for years, now are receiving calls from his office and being told they won’t be able to receive flu shots, because they don’t meet the criteria.
“FOR THE first time in my medical career, the state government has come out and said you may not do that, and if you did do it, you will go to jail and pay a big fine,” said Allum. “That’s the first time I’ve seen something like that come out.” Marlene Marlatt, spokesperson for Thunder Bay Community Health Services, which has clinics in Rogers City, Atlanta, and Hillman, said the shortage has forced TBCHS to prioritize the list of patients who need the shots the most. “It makes you have to justify flu vaccines for every person we give it to,” said Marlatt. “It’s hard. We received 1,000 doses for three clinics.” Allum believes more people are going to get the flu this season because of the situation, and if this does occur, people are advised to see their doctor immediately because there are more up-to-date medicines available that can battle the affliction. “They need to see a doctor on the first day,R
DESPITE THE shortages, Dr. Dean Sienko, Medical Director of the Ingham County Health Department, said there are measures everyone can take to limit their exposure to the flu. “With or without a flu shot, there are actions you can and should take to stay healthy during flu season,” Sienko said. “Wash your hands well and often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay away from people with flu-like symptoms. “If you do get sick, stay home. We also ask all Michigan citizens to work extra hard this year to remind people of these effective prevention actions.”
Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, school, or work. Simple actions — like covering your mouth and nose and cleaning your hands often — can stop germs and prevent illnesses and reduce sick days, Sienko said.