Although 500 doses of the vaccine were ordered in June 2004 for St. Joseph residents and employees, a national flu vaccine shortage has prevented distribution.
“Our pharmacy supplier informed us last week that at the current time, they are unable to supply the vaccine,” said Jake Bell, director of health services for St. Joseph of the Pines. “We have put St. Joseph on a waiting list at the State Health Department to obtain 150 doses for residents of the Health Center.”
Bell added that St. Joseph of the Pines is working with the pharmacy supplier to obtain the full amount of vaccinations ordered.
In response to the shortage, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Aventis Pasteur, a manufacturer of the vaccine, announced Wednesday that over the next six to eight weeks, 14.2 million doses of vaccine will be distributed to high-priority providers such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and private care providers of young children. “Every effort is being made to obtain doses of the vaccine for our residents, and flu shots will be given as soon as the doses arrive,” Bell said. “In the past, we have offered flu shots to family members, volunteers, and associates, but unfortunately this isn’t currently possible.
