An influenza vaccine shortage that created a nationwide frenzy
has come to an end in San Benito County thanks to thousands of
doses doled out by the state, according to local health
officials.
Hollister – An influenza vaccine shortage that created a nationwide frenzy has come to an end in San Benito County thanks to thousands of doses doled out by the state, according to local health officials.
The extra vaccines should cover all at-risk residents and possibly others as well, said Muree Reafs, nursing director for the San Benito County Public Health Department.
In October, health officials estimated half the county’s vaccine needs would not be met this season. But the local flu crisis was abated when the county received 2,800 doses several weeks ago from the state, which it distributed to both private and public agencies, Reafs said.
“I think we’re back on track,” she said. “The supply has been replenished and we’re getting it out there so people will be protected.”
Reafs said people should contact their doctors or primary care givers to see if they still have vaccines. If their private physicians are out, they can contact the health department to receive a shot, she said.
The health department usually doesn’t administer flu shots but is making an exception this season, Reafs said.
Dr. Peter Coelho received 300 doses from the health department and decided to hold a free public clinic Friday to vaccinate people who may not be able to afford the shot, he said.
Coelho said he’s heard of some private physicians charging up to $60 per shot, while the break-even cost for the vaccine and administering it is $20.
“They know there’s a shortage – everybody’s desperate to get a flu vaccine,” he said. “I’m going to be here for the next 30 to 40 years and I want to make it a better place – not how do I just take care of myself?”
Reafs declined to comment on whether local physicians were price gouging flu vaccines, but said different people have different administrative costs.
“(The cost) varies from provider to provider,” she said.
Coelho will only be vaccinating those at high risk for the flu, which include children age 6 to 23 months, adults age 65 and older, health care workers, pregnant women and anyone age 2 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.
Coelho will open his doors at 9am and administer the shots on a first-come, first-served basis at his office located at 930 Sunset Drive, Suite 1C, he said.
He asked that people not call the office – simply roll up your sleeves and show up.
“It’s important everybody gets vaccinated,” Coelho said. “This is our backyard, let’s make it a nice place to be.”
The country did not receive almost half of its expected vaccines because major manufacturer, Chiron, had its license to manufacture the vaccine Fluvirin suspended for three months due to contamination problems.
The Centers for Disease Control received 10.3 million doses of vaccine from another major manufacturer, Aventis Pasteur, earlier this month that it distributed throughout the country, according to a CDC-issued statement.
States received 100 percent of any orders they had placed under state and federal contracts, according to the statement.
Reafs said the state divided the doses up based on the need of each county, and that if more doses were required counties had the option to purchase vaccines from the state.
“We didn’t purchase any because we got enough free,” she said. “Which we’re very grateful for since the budget didn’t allow (the county to purchase any).”
Hazel Hawkins Hospital also received flu shots from the health department, said marketing director Frankie Valent. The public can receive a shot at the hospital’s clinic in Hollister or San Juan Bautista by making an appointment, she said. The vaccine is $20.
If your doctor does not have any available flu vaccines, call the San Benito County Health Department at (831) 637-5367, or Hazel Hawkins Hospital at 637-5711.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety and health issues for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
em*******@fr***********.com
