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BISBEE — Though peak demand for flu shots may occur in September or October, the peak of the flu season begins in December.
For that reason, and for supply and demand problems, the Cochise County Health Department will delay flu clinics until November this year. For a person who got a shot in September, by December he or she can become susceptible to the flu bug since the vaccine is only effective for about four months. Just as the vaccine is wearing off, peak flu season begins, said Vaira Harik, the Health Department director.
“Last year, flu vaccine shipments were so late and unreliable that the department was forced to hold clinics during November,” she told the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Since the flu season peaks in December and January, patients getting the vaccine later have a better chance of beating the bug and staying healthy throughout the flu season, she noted.
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In 2006, the vaccine order was not delivered in September as was anticipated.
“We have problems getting the vaccine in during September and October,” Harik said. “The big-box stores are putting in orders for millions of doses. We can’t compete with those stores like Wal-Mart and Walgreens.”
She read a quote from one of the vaccine suppliers sent last month: “Unfortunately, given the changing and uncertain nature of future vaccine supplies, we cannot guarantee that any particular amount of influenza vaccine will be shipped.”
Last year, the department had no idea when or how much vaccine would be delivered. Yet, the delay in administering flu shots had an unexpected beneficial effect.
“We discovered a positive result doing it later in the fall,” Harik added. “There was less stress for clients and staff, since there were fewer people coming in to get the shots. Most people who wanted them early on got them from private providers. But, everyone who wanted a flu shot got one.”
There were no complaints about the lateness of the flu shot program and with plenty of doses to go around, the neediest clients were served.
“By planning flu shot clinics later in the season, we can more completely fulfill our role as a safety net for citizens without access to other sources of vaccination. And the CDC recommends giving the shots in October or November and continue giving them through March. So even if you miss getting your shot early on, you can still get one.”
An economic benefit also was gained since cost for vaccines for later delivery were actually lower.
Last year, the Health Department ordered 5,100 doses, based on prior year’s demand. But since the delivery came so late, only 2,800 doses were used. The county lost $28,980.
This year, 3,000 doses have been ordered for November shipment. If more is needed, more can be ordered.
No one is turned away if they cannot pay the $25 for the shot, and Harik wanted the supervisors approval to continue the program. Hospitalization insurance can be used to offset the shot’s cost.
The adult immunization program pays for itself and then some. Harik said last year’s vaccinations, including flu shots, accounted for $95,893 in revenue. The actual cost was $93,388.
Flu shots by appointment will be given to high-risk patients first.
For information on the Cochise County flu shot program, call the Health Department at 432-9400.
Herald/Review reporter Shar Porier can be reached at 515-4692 or by e-mail at shar.porier@bisbeereview.net.
