CULLMAN — The Cullman County Health Department has scheduled a seasonal flu vaccine clinic for Monday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. in the Community Room at the health department. The shots will be $5 each and people are asked to enter though the back of the health department.

“There should be no cancellation because we already have the seasonal vaccines,” Crystal Page, clinic supervisor said.

An earlier drive-through flu shot clinic was canceled due to a shortage of vaccines.

The shortage in seasonal flu vaccines is due to manufactures being asked to stop production of the seasonal vaccine and start producing the swine flu vaccines, said Chris Borden, PharmD, RPH, at Borden’s Pharmacy.

“There are usually 100 million seasonal vaccines produced,” Borden said. “Manufacturers are now producing 300 million swine flu vaccines.”

One age group will have to wait on their flu shots. Babies age six months to three years will be without vaccines at the health department.

“We usually have a separate manufacturer for the six months to three years vaccines, but we won’t be able to get them,” Page said.

Page said the clinic has been inundated with calls asking about both the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine.

“The delay really hindered us and hindered the manufacturers ability to get what was needed,” Page said.

The clinic has tentatively planned a limited dose, swine flu vaccine clinic for Oct. 28. Only school-aged children will be allowed the vaccine at that time.

“School-age children are at the greatest risk so our plan is to vaccine them first,” she said.

During the past week, the Center for Disease Control reported influenza activity continued to increase in the United States. Flu activity is now widespread in 37 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for flu-like symptoms increased over the previous week and are higher than expected for this time of year. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as well, and are higher than expected.

There have been 17 confirmed swine flu deaths in Alabama. The deaths have occurred this year in Bullock, Calhoun, Cherokee, Dale, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Macon, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Russell and Talladega counties.

The virus has accounted for about 99 percent of all flu cases this month.

Many people are worried about the safety of the vaccine.

“No doubt in my mind that it’s safe,” Borden said.

Borden recently attended a webinar given by the American Pharmacy Association about the H1N1 or swine flu virus.

“The swine flu vaccine was basically taken from the seasonal vaccine and tweaked to protect against this new strain. After this conference, I feel a lot better about the safety.”

Borden recommends anyone feeling signs of the flu, go see a doctor or call a pharmacist for a consultation.

State health officials recently announced Alabama residents can now dial 211 to get accurate and timely information about the swine flu virus. The state health department and 211 have joined together to relieve some pressure from local health departments. Some phone systems may not allow 211 calls, but people can also dial toll free at 1-888-4-211CONNECTS.

The information 211 will provide includes 10 things to do to fight the flu as well as lists of effective cleaners to use on various surfaces to prevent the virus from spreading.



The CDC recommends some tips to staying healthy.

*  Stay informed. Visit www.cdc.gov to get the latest information about the swine flu.

*  Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

*  Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

*  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

*  Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

*  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

*  Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

*  Follow public health advice regarding school closure, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.



*  The Associated Press contributed to this story.



* Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.