Back in October 2004, the United States lost almost half of its
expected 100 million doses of the flu vaccine, which prompted the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to encourage recommendations
to each state, suggesting that doses of the vaccine be restricted
to high-risk groups only. However, it is becoming apparent that
perhaps this "panic attack" was a little too dramatic.
It seems that, due to a mild flu season, the demand for the country's
"limited doses" of the vaccine was less than anticipated.
In fact, the demand was so low that some states are actually loosening
restrictions regarding who gets a shot.
Those states that have taken such action
include:
- Michigan and Utah: Lifted all restrictions; Michigan
has about 170,000 available doses
- Minnesota: Opened up the flu vaccine to those 50 and
older, among others
- Massachusetts: Dropped the lowest receiving age limit
from 75 to 65, as well as lightened a few other restrictions
- Nebraska: Traded 4,000 flu-shot doses with Missouri for
measles, mumps and rubella vaccine
Further, only weeks ago a Washington-based company that holds immunization
clinics vaccinated 100 clients a day at its office -- now it vaccinates
only 20 people on a daily basis.
USA
Today December 13, 2004
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