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Headquarters flu clinic postponed

The flu shot vendor for ITD is experiencing “seasonal” flu vaccine shortages so the flu vaccination clinic scheduled for Headquarters next week (Oct. 28) has been postponed.

“Seasonal” flu vaccine is traditionally given later in the fall (in November and December) to protect people for January through March when the largest number influenza A and B strains usually occurs (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/timing.htm) . The widespread flu now circulating is mainly the H1N1 strain.

HQ plans to reschedule the vaccination clinic when more vaccine is available,

"We will keep the registration forms already collected and notify everyone once a new clinic date has been set," explains wellness program coordinator Pauline Davis.

Here are the three main causes for the disruption in supply.

1. The suppliers oversold to nearly all their customers, which is why this is a national issue.

2. This year's seasonal vaccine had three new strains in it; this caused a slowdown in production and in the case of one manufacturer, they lost a large amount of vaccine because of production issues.

3. Several manufacturers halted production to get out the first round of H1N1 vaccine.