Allina Medical Clinic has sufficient flu vaccine for its high risk patients, but with the Chiron influenza vaccine shortage, not everyone should get a flu shot this year, Kathy Dill, clinic manager, said this week.Allina Medical Clinic in Forest Lake will follow the most recent guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health, which give priority to patients who are at higher risk, Dill said.
Because of the national shortage, Allina is also working with officials at the Minnesota Department of Health to possibly re-allocate some of its vaccine supply to those who will need it most, Dill said.
There is time for collaboration because the first flu cases usually appear after November 1 in Minnesota, she said.
Who needs vaccine
People in the following groups are considered high risk, according to the most recent guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health.
As of October 8, priority groups for influenza vaccination include:
ïPeople 65 years of age or older (not 50)
ïPeople living in nursing homes or other long term care facilities
ïPeople with chronic health problems (ask your doctor if you think this applies to you)
ïPregnant women
ïChildren and teenagers who take aspirin on a regular basis
ïInfants 6 to 23 months of age
ïPeople who live in the same household with children under six months of age ñ or who provide care to children under six months of age outside the home
ïOnly those health care workers who provide direct patient care
Persons who are not listed in the above priority groups are asked to forego their vaccinations, so that vaccines can be used to protect those most vulnerable to serious complications from influenza.
Steps to take
The physicians at Allina Medical Clinic in Forest Lake remind everyone about other steps they can take ñ besides getting vaccinated ñ to protect themselves and others from the flu:
ïCover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze ñ and dispose of the tissue afterward.
ïIf you donít have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
ïClean your hands after you cough or sneeze ñ with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand cleaner.
ïIf you get the flu, avoid exposing others. Stay home from work or school.
Birchwood OK
Residents of Birchwood Health Care Center are in good shape, said Scot Allen, administrator, this week.
The Forest Lake nursing home earlier received its supply of influenza vaccine from its supplier, Rolseth Drug in Forest Lake.
Allen said the drug store acquired its supply from the manufacturer that did not encounter supply problems.
ìWe are fine,î Allen said. ìWe have no problems.î
The vaccine is provided to Birchwood residents on annual basis with the residentís physician approval, Allen said.
Store clinics
More than 200 area residents received the influenza vaccination Thursday, Oct. 7 during a store clinic at Synder Drug, store owner Dan Hagen said. He said the serum is being allocated to only those who meet the risk categories.
A second and final clinic at Snyder Drug is scheduled 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Lake Shoppes store.
Fairview status
Fairview Lakes Regional Health Care has flu vaccine on hand and is providing flu shots for children and adults in the designated high-risk categories at all of its clinics. Fairview Lakes clinics are located at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming and at Lino Lakes, Chisago City, Rush City and North Branch.
Patients do not need an appointment for a flu shot, but preferred hours to request shots at most clinics are 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.ÝÝ
ìWe are also providing flu shots to staff members who provide direct patient care, and have offered to supply Chisago County Public HealthÝwith the flu vaccine necessary to meet the needs of senior housing units in Chisago County,î said Leilani Freeman, director of communications.
ìWe are fortunate in that we have received the majority of the vaccine we ordered from Aventis,î Freeman said,Ýìbut it remains to be seen whether any of our vaccine may be recalled.
ìTo conserve vaccine for those who need it most, if you aren't in a high risk category and aren't a close contact of a high risk individual, you should not seek flu vaccination this year.î
Top of Page
