FLU VACCINE CLINICS DELAYED

A national flu vaccine shortage will delay shot clinics in Cape Girardeau for more than a month, and local health officials are urging the elderly and chronically ill to take precautions to protect themselves in the meantime.

Vaccination clinics typically begin in mid-September, but the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center won't schedule its popular annual clinic until at least late October. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging doctors and public health officials nationwide to delay clinics and, if needed, ration what few vaccinations are available.

But Charlotte Craig, director of the county health center, stressed that there is no reason to panic about the shortage.

"Although it's pushing it, you'll still be protected and receive your vaccinations," she said. "Right now, we're planning for mid- to late October and keeping our fingers crossed that the vaccine will come in."

Last year, the center provided more than 6,000 flu vaccinations to Cape Girardeau County residents at a price of $5 each. Craig said she will alert the public of clinic schedules through announcements in the newspaper and radio and television broadcasts.

Some local doctors may have vaccine available, but their services typically cost more.

The CDC reports the reason for the shortage is that one of three flu virus strains used to make this year's vaccine did not grow well as the corresponding strain used last year, causing a delay in production.

While waiting for shots, Craig said, people who are especially susceptible to the flu -- those over 50 and anyone with chronic illnesses -- should avoid crowds, cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing and wash their hands frequently.

The CDC says 70 million to 76 million people are estimated to be at high risk for serious flu complications, including hospitalization or death.

Eugene Seyer of Chaffee got a flu shot from the health center last year but said he had not heard of this year's vaccination shortage until his wife told him.

"I just happened to be out there at the time they were giving them last year and thought it would be a good idea," said Seyer, who also gets a pneumonia vaccination. "I'll probably get one again this year when they come in."

Officials say it is almost impossible to predict the effect the vaccine shortage could have on public health because two main factors -- the severity of the upcoming flu season and the extent of the vaccine shortage -- are unknown.

The Missouri Department of Health says the usual flu season occurs between November and April. Illness usually is low until December and peaks most often between January and March.

The local health center also distributes pneumonia vaccinations, which, Craig said, the center would like to do at the same time as flu vaccines this year for the sake of efficiency.

She said people who receive a pneumonia vaccination after age 65 never have to receive it again. Those who receive it prior to turning 65 should get one booster but not until at least five years later.