Flu Shots ... (changed title from For Parents)

[corylav]

Just so everyone knows, I called my daughter's doctor today to see if we could wait until her appt. mid-month (about 10 days from now) for her to get her flu shot, and they said they can't guarantee that they'll have shots left by then.

With that in mind, anyone who needs to get their child or an elderly friend/family member vaccinated should do so soon. I guess the medical community is asking that there be "voluntary rationing" of the vaccine, so if you're not in one of these two groups or in a similar risk group, it's probably best not to get vaccinated so someone at more risk of having complications from flu doesn't get left behind.

edit: changed the title, since it affects more than parents

[corylav]

Just so everyone knows, I called my daughter's doctor today to see if we could wait until her appt. mid-month (about 10 days from now) for her to get her flu shot, and they said they can't guarantee that they'll have shots left by then.

With that in mind, anyone who needs to get their child or an elderly friend/family member vaccinated should do so soon. I guess the medical community is asking that there be "voluntary rationing" of the vaccine, so if you're not in one of these two groups or in a similar risk group, it's probably best not to get vaccinated so someone at more risk of having complications from flu doesn't get left behind.

edit: changed the title, since it affects more than parents

[Guyute]

There's been many reports about being Millions (50+ in US) short on the vaccination count this year. We could see a flu pandemic this year. quite scary.

[Guyute]

There's been many reports about being Millions (50+ in US) short on the vaccination count this year. We could see a flu pandemic this year. quite scary.

[guinevere]

Chiron - one of the mjor manufacturers, will not be shipping which has a huge impact on supply. Elderly, young ones, healthcare workers who provide DIRECT patient care, those who are immuno suppressed and those that work with very young children or in long term care facilities are urged to receive the vaccination. The rest of us are kind of out there....

[guinevere]

Chiron - one of the mjor manufacturers, will not be shipping which has a huge impact on supply. Elderly, young ones, healthcare workers who provide DIRECT patient care, those who are immuno suppressed and those that work with very young children or in long term care facilities are urged to receive the vaccination. The rest of us are kind of out there....

[Shell]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

[Shell]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

[guinevere]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

The only contraindications I know of are for those that are pregnant, are allergic to eggs or had onset of Guillain Barre 6 weeks after their last vaccination. According to the CDC - ""Neither inactivated nor live vaccines administered to a lactating woman affect the safety of breast-feeding for mothers or infants. Breast-feeding does not adversely affect immunization and is not a contraindication for any vaccine"

Hope that helps.

[guinevere]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

The only contraindications I know of are for those that are pregnant, are allergic to eggs or had onset of Guillain Barre 6 weeks after their last vaccination. According to the CDC - ""Neither inactivated nor live vaccines administered to a lactating woman affect the safety of breast-feeding for mothers or infants. Breast-feeding does not adversely affect immunization and is not a contraindication for any vaccine"

Hope that helps.

[Shell]

Thanks! :D

[Shell]

Thanks! :D

[apolinar]

Actually there is no contraindication for pregnant women anymore. They are one of the high risk groups in fact because of the fetal damage that can occur from the flu. The risk of having problems from the vaccine are way lower than what can happen to baby and mother during pregnancy, so pregnant women should get it.

Good to get the flu shot if you breastfeed because it will give passive immunity for the baby as well, so if your baby is too young to get the flu shot (less than 6 months old), your breastmilk will pass on the immune cells from your body for your baby to be immune too.

If your baby is old enough to get the shot, don't forget that the kiddo needs two shots the first time they ever get the shot in order to be immune. (This shortage may compromise the ability to do that.)

[apolinar]

Actually there is no contraindication for pregnant women anymore. They are one of the high risk groups in fact because of the fetal damage that can occur from the flu. The risk of having problems from the vaccine are way lower than what can happen to baby and mother during pregnancy, so pregnant women should get it.

Good to get the flu shot if you breastfeed because it will give passive immunity for the baby as well, so if your baby is too young to get the flu shot (less than 6 months old), your breastmilk will pass on the immune cells from your body for your baby to be immune too.

If your baby is old enough to get the shot, don't forget that the kiddo needs two shots the first time they ever get the shot in order to be immune. (This shortage may compromise the ability to do that.)

[Alicia]

I know I better be able to get it...that and the pneumonia shot.

[Alicia]

I know I better be able to get it...that and the pneumonia shot.

[apolinar]

Here's the official priority groups from the CDC:

Priority Groups for Influenza Vaccination

The following priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine this season are considered to be of equal importance and are:
• all children aged 6–23 months;
• adults aged >65 years;
• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months


Notice the last one: guyute needs the shot too!!!!!

[apolinar]

Here's the official priority groups from the CDC:

Priority Groups for Influenza Vaccination

The following priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine this season are considered to be of equal importance and are:
• all children aged 6–23 months;
• adults aged >65 years;
• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months


Notice the last one: guyute needs the shot too!!!!!

[Mona]

I know I better be able to get it...that and the pneumonia shot.

We will all rally to make certain you do.. ;)

[Mona]

I know I better be able to get it...that and the pneumonia shot.

We will all rally to make certain you do.. ;)

[puck_it]

meningitis shot too

[puck_it]

meningitis shot too

[SouthernHockeyChick]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

If anything, you'll be doing him a favor if you luck out and happen to pass along a few of your antibiodies.

EDIT: OK, I got all excited but now I see apolinar already filled you in on that one.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

obviously I would check with the doctor, but I assume this is OK to get if you are breastfeeding? Suppose I should get one for the first time this year.

If anything, you'll be doing him a favor if you luck out and happen to pass along a few of your antibiodies.

EDIT: OK, I got all excited but now I see apolinar already filled you in on that one.

[Alicia]

Here's the official priority groups from the CDC:

Priority Groups for Influenza Vaccination

The following priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine this season are considered to be of equal importance and are:
• all children aged 6–23 months;
• adults aged >65 years;
• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months


Notice the last one: guyute needs the shot too!!!!!

I fell into a category!

[Alicia]

Here's the official priority groups from the CDC:

Priority Groups for Influenza Vaccination

The following priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine this season are considered to be of equal importance and are:
• all children aged 6–23 months;
• adults aged >65 years;
• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months


Notice the last one: guyute needs the shot too!!!!!

I fell into a category!

[apolinar]

Hey that's right! Caniac fever! Does that count as a chronic medical condition? Flu shots for all caniacs :eek2:

[apolinar]

Hey that's right! Caniac fever! Does that count as a chronic medical condition? Flu shots for all caniacs :eek2:

[talkingcanes]

Actually there is no contraindication for pregnant women anymore. They are one of the high risk groups in fact because of the fetal damage that can occur from the flu. The risk of having problems from the vaccine are way lower than what can happen to baby and mother during pregnancy, so pregnant women should get it.

Good to get the flu shot if you breastfeed because it will give passive immunity for the baby as well, so if your baby is too young to get the flu shot (less than 6 months old), your breastmilk will pass on the immune cells from your body for your baby to be immune too.

If your baby is old enough to get the shot, don't forget that the kiddo needs two shots the first time they ever get the shot in order to be immune. (This shortage may compromise the ability to do that.)

I have a friend who is 8 months pregnant. They told her that she and her husband had to get the flu shot because the flu strain this year is supposed to be bad and the baby will be too young for her own shot this flu season. Baby will get her antibodies from mom this year so they want to be sure she gets the shot at least a couple of weeks before the birth.

[talkingcanes]

Actually there is no contraindication for pregnant women anymore. They are one of the high risk groups in fact because of the fetal damage that can occur from the flu. The risk of having problems from the vaccine are way lower than what can happen to baby and mother during pregnancy, so pregnant women should get it.

Good to get the flu shot if you breastfeed because it will give passive immunity for the baby as well, so if your baby is too young to get the flu shot (less than 6 months old), your breastmilk will pass on the immune cells from your body for your baby to be immune too.

If your baby is old enough to get the shot, don't forget that the kiddo needs two shots the first time they ever get the shot in order to be immune. (This shortage may compromise the ability to do that.)

I have a friend who is 8 months pregnant. They told her that she and her husband had to get the flu shot because the flu strain this year is supposed to be bad and the baby will be too young for her own shot this flu season. Baby will get her antibodies from mom this year so they want to be sure she gets the shot at least a couple of weeks before the birth.

[Canesluver]

If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, you can get a free flu shot during the month of October at a variety of pharmacies and clinics around the state.

Here's a link to how you find a place near you:
http://www.findaflushot.com/

Just type in your zip code in the box, and you'll get a list of places and when they're offering the shots.

They do prefer; however, that you fall into one of those priority groups that Apolinar so nicely provided up above.

Good luck!

[Canesluver]

If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, you can get a free flu shot during the month of October at a variety of pharmacies and clinics around the state.

Here's a link to how you find a place near you:
http://www.findaflushot.com/

Just type in your zip code in the box, and you'll get a list of places and when they're offering the shots.

They do prefer; however, that you fall into one of those priority groups that Apolinar so nicely provided up above.

Good luck!

[talkingcanes]

I thought I heard on the news tonight that they had canceled those clinics? I could have heard wrong though.

[talkingcanes]

I thought I heard on the news tonight that they had canceled those clinics? I could have heard wrong though.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Those BCBS commercials are so great! *sings* A lollipop with your flu shot!
I'd hope they would cancel em. I hope that everyone who needs it, gets it.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Those BCBS commercials are so great! *sings* A lollipop with your flu shot!
I'd hope they would cancel em. I hope that everyone who needs it, gets it.

[raleighcanesfan]

I hope I'm right in thinking I fall into a group--expectant father with wife ready to pop any moment. Do I need to prove this somehow? (ala bringing her in! (-: ).

[raleighcanesfan]

I hope I'm right in thinking I fall into a group--expectant father with wife ready to pop any moment. Do I need to prove this somehow? (ala bringing her in! (-: ).

[talkingcanes]

I ran in the grocery store on my home from work and there was a sign that all flu shot clinics scheduled after 10/16/04 had been canceled due to the shortage.

RCF, check with your wife's OB office. I posted in another thread that a friend of mine who is 8 months pregnant was told by her OB that she and her husband could get a shot at their office to be sure the baby wasn't exposed. She lives in CO, but I wouldn't think the standards would be different for not yet borns or newborns and their parents.

[talkingcanes]

I ran in the grocery store on my home from work and there was a sign that all flu shot clinics scheduled after 10/16/04 had been canceled due to the shortage.

RCF, check with your wife's OB office. I posted in another thread that a friend of mine who is 8 months pregnant was told by her OB that she and her husband could get a shot at their office to be sure the baby wasn't exposed. She lives in CO, but I wouldn't think the standards would be different for not yet borns or newborns and their parents.

[Shell]

I have a 3 month old, where should guyute and I go to get our shots? Our doctor, the pediatrician, my ob/gyn, or any of the above? The only think I have seen on the news was a 2 hour line at the drug store?

[Shell]

I have a 3 month old, where should guyute and I go to get our shots? Our doctor, the pediatrician, my ob/gyn, or any of the above? The only think I have seen on the news was a 2 hour line at the drug store?

[talkingcanes]

Shell, I read that too, about the 2 hour wait. You also have to fill out a form that confirms you are in one of the "preferred" categories. I would call my OB office and ask since the baby is too young to get a shot of his own, it is more important that you and Guy get shots. That's how I understand it anyway. Maybe your OB can at least tell you where the best place to go is if they are not actually giving shots.

[talkingcanes]

Shell, I read that too, about the 2 hour wait. You also have to fill out a form that confirms you are in one of the "preferred" categories. I would call my OB office and ask since the baby is too young to get a shot of his own, it is more important that you and Guy get shots. That's how I understand it anyway. Maybe your OB can at least tell you where the best place to go is if they are not actually giving shots.

[corylav]

My wife went to Eckerd last night to get her shot (she's on prednisone) and was waiting two-and-a-half hours in the store. She got her paperwork and number at 5ish, then went home and had dinner b/c they told her to be back at 6:30. She didn't get her shot till after 9.

[corylav]

My wife went to Eckerd last night to get her shot (she's on prednisone) and was waiting two-and-a-half hours in the store. She got her paperwork and number at 5ish, then went home and had dinner b/c they told her to be back at 6:30. She didn't get her shot till after 9.

[Guyute]

W.O.W.

damn, that's insane. so is that the only option? are doc offices not doing them? hmm.

[Guyute]

W.O.W.

damn, that's insane. so is that the only option? are doc offices not doing them? hmm.

[corylav]

my wife's specialist didn't have them, our family doc didn't ... it's just crazy. With so much flu getting ready to go around, you'd figure it's be easy to make more vaccinations.

[corylav]

my wife's specialist didn't have them, our family doc didn't ... it's just crazy. With so much flu getting ready to go around, you'd figure it's be easy to make more vaccinations.

[Guyute]

crap, guess we better start calling around. spending an entire night standing in lines won't work for me. I'll literally go nuts. I don't like people enough to do that.

edit- family doc isn't doing any shots this year. wtf, so vaccine co's are just sending All of their stock to pharmacies??? what kind of sense does that make???

[Guyute]

crap, guess we better start calling around. spending an entire night standing in lines won't work for me. I'll literally go nuts. I don't like people enough to do that.

edit- family doc isn't doing any shots this year. wtf, so vaccine co's are just sending All of their stock to pharmacies??? what kind of sense does that make???

[corylav]

it would've been OK if they had said, "you're number will come up around 8:30," but they told her 6:30! How could they be off by that much? you get a number, so it's not like you have to wait in a line and can't get out of it, but maybe they'll be better at guesstimating the wait time now that they've done it a little bit.

[corylav]

it would've been OK if they had said, "you're number will come up around 8:30," but they told her 6:30! How could they be off by that much? you get a number, so it's not like you have to wait in a line and can't get out of it, but maybe they'll be better at guesstimating the wait time now that they've done it a little bit.

[Guyute]

ugh. the Walgreen's near us is doing them on Nov 19th. That's it. I'm picturing a line wrapped around the building.
maybe we'll get lucky and our pediatrician will have some.

[Guyute]

ugh. the Walgreen's near us is doing them on Nov 19th. That's it. I'm picturing a line wrapped around the building.
maybe we'll get lucky and our pediatrician will have some.

[corylav]

I think Eckerd on Capital is going them for an extended period, unless I read the sign wrong. Maybe give them a call.

[corylav]

I think Eckerd on Capital is going them for an extended period, unless I read the sign wrong. Maybe give them a call.

[apolinar]

I don't know about you, but don't you think it's time for government intervention? My local county health department only got 230 doses FOR THE WHOLE COUNTY. State of emergency should be called, all flu doses should be surrendered to the state (Including what Blue cross and blue shield and the drug stores get, reimbursed of course for the cost) and tiered flu shot clinics should be given by the public health departments. Tier one should be highest risk patients (Diabetics, pregnant women, young kiddos, older patients, and those with lung disease) Then if any left over tier two (health care workers etc etc in the high risk list). I really don't think the current system is fairly rationing out what little flu shot we have to those that need it the most. Worst of all, those needing it the most are waiting 2-10 hours for it? I wouldn't be surprised if we have some calamitous health problems just from people sitting idle with chronic medical conditions that long. Really , we're making pregnant women, the elderly, and babies wait that long????? :eek:

[apolinar]

I don't know about you, but don't you think it's time for government intervention? My local county health department only got 230 doses FOR THE WHOLE COUNTY. State of emergency should be called, all flu doses should be surrendered to the state (Including what Blue cross and blue shield and the drug stores get, reimbursed of course for the cost) and tiered flu shot clinics should be given by the public health departments. Tier one should be highest risk patients (Diabetics, pregnant women, young kiddos, older patients, and those with lung disease) Then if any left over tier two (health care workers etc etc in the high risk list). I really don't think the current system is fairly rationing out what little flu shot we have to those that need it the most. Worst of all, those needing it the most are waiting 2-10 hours for it? I wouldn't be surprised if we have some calamitous health problems just from people sitting idle with chronic medical conditions that long. Really , we're making pregnant women, the elderly, and babies wait that long????? :eek:

[Guyute]

tiered flu shot clinics should be given by the public health departments. Tier one should be highest risk patients (Diabetics, pregnant women, young kiddos, older patients, and those with lung disease) Then if any left over tier two (health care workers etc etc in the high risk list). I really don't think the current system is fairly rationing out what little flu shot we have to those that need it the most. Worst of all, those needing it the most are waiting 2-10 hours for it? I wouldn't be surprised if we have some calamitous health problems just from people sitting idle with chronic medical conditions that long. Really , we're making pregnant women, the elderly, and babies wait that long????? :eek:

well said, couldn't agree more. I did a wide-area search on all Eckerd stores in the Raleigh area. Most shot times are 10am-2pm (thanks), and just once a month. a lot were yesterday, so next one is is early November. this is insanity. there most definitely needs to be a better system in place, or the pandemic they were afraid of... WILL happen.

and yeah, having people with medical problems hanging out for a few/several hours to get their shot is a Brilliant plan. :roll:

[Guyute]

tiered flu shot clinics should be given by the public health departments. Tier one should be highest risk patients (Diabetics, pregnant women, young kiddos, older patients, and those with lung disease) Then if any left over tier two (health care workers etc etc in the high risk list). I really don't think the current system is fairly rationing out what little flu shot we have to those that need it the most. Worst of all, those needing it the most are waiting 2-10 hours for it? I wouldn't be surprised if we have some calamitous health problems just from people sitting idle with chronic medical conditions that long. Really , we're making pregnant women, the elderly, and babies wait that long????? :eek:

well said, couldn't agree more. I did a wide-area search on all Eckerd stores in the Raleigh area. Most shot times are 10am-2pm (thanks), and just once a month. a lot were yesterday, so next one is is early November. this is insanity. there most definitely needs to be a better system in place, or the pandemic they were afraid of... WILL happen.

and yeah, having people with medical problems hanging out for a few/several hours to get their shot is a Brilliant plan. :roll:

[guinevere]

How hard would it be to allow appointment times - at least a plan to allow so many per 15 minute interval. Registration could be done online or by phone. I'm sure someone could do this for minimum wage. I like the tiered plan idea as well.

The one thing everyone can do that will make a big impact is wash your hands. It sounds simple but its the way more infections are spread than anything else.

[guinevere]

How hard would it be to allow appointment times - at least a plan to allow so many per 15 minute interval. Registration could be done online or by phone. I'm sure someone could do this for minimum wage. I like the tiered plan idea as well.

The one thing everyone can do that will make a big impact is wash your hands. It sounds simple but its the way more infections are spread than anything else.

[Shell]

October 8, 2004
U.S. Inquiry in Price Rises for Flu Shots
By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN

Federal health officials said yesterday that they would investigate reports of price gouging for flu shots in response to a severe national shortage of the influenza vaccine.

But the officials did not say what they could do about inflated prices being charged for the vaccines by distributors or doctors.

Asked at a news conference about charges of $65 for a flu shot that usually costs much less, Dr. Bruce Gellin, the official in charge of the government's vaccine program, said, "We, too, have heard these stories about the price gouging."

While no specific examples of gouging were cited at the news conference, Dr. David Lang, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital of Orange County in California, said in a telephone interview that a vendor had called a pharmacist at his hospital offering to sell the flu vaccine made by Aventis for 10 times the usual amount.

The pharmacist, who asked not to be identified, said in a separate interview that the vendor had asked $700 for a vial of 10 doses that usually costs $67.

"They were shopping for takers," the pharmacist said.

Dr. Lang said the hospital did not buy the vaccine at the inflated price.

On Tuesday, the British government halted vaccine shipments to the United States because of concerns about contamination at a factory owned by the Chiron Corporation of Emeryville, Calif. Now health officials are trying to ration the flu shots, asking healthy people to let the vaccine go to those who need it more.

Giving flu shots is an overwhelmingly private enterprise, "and we know that there are some people who may be in it just for the money," said Dr. Dixie Snyder, an official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But we hope that most people are of good will who want to do the right thing."

At the news conference yesterday, Dr. Gellin said of the price gouging: "Obviously, that is a great concern to all of us and these are the stories that we need to track down because it is immoral."

While criticizing the ethics of the practice, Dr. Gellin did not say which government agency would investigate and what the penalties would be if distributors or physicians were indeed price gouging.

[Shell]

October 8, 2004
U.S. Inquiry in Price Rises for Flu Shots
By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN

Federal health officials said yesterday that they would investigate reports of price gouging for flu shots in response to a severe national shortage of the influenza vaccine.

But the officials did not say what they could do about inflated prices being charged for the vaccines by distributors or doctors.

Asked at a news conference about charges of $65 for a flu shot that usually costs much less, Dr. Bruce Gellin, the official in charge of the government's vaccine program, said, "We, too, have heard these stories about the price gouging."

While no specific examples of gouging were cited at the news conference, Dr. David Lang, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital of Orange County in California, said in a telephone interview that a vendor had called a pharmacist at his hospital offering to sell the flu vaccine made by Aventis for 10 times the usual amount.

The pharmacist, who asked not to be identified, said in a separate interview that the vendor had asked $700 for a vial of 10 doses that usually costs $67.

"They were shopping for takers," the pharmacist said.

Dr. Lang said the hospital did not buy the vaccine at the inflated price.

On Tuesday, the British government halted vaccine shipments to the United States because of concerns about contamination at a factory owned by the Chiron Corporation of Emeryville, Calif. Now health officials are trying to ration the flu shots, asking healthy people to let the vaccine go to those who need it more.

Giving flu shots is an overwhelmingly private enterprise, "and we know that there are some people who may be in it just for the money," said Dr. Dixie Snyder, an official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But we hope that most people are of good will who want to do the right thing."

At the news conference yesterday, Dr. Gellin said of the price gouging: "Obviously, that is a great concern to all of us and these are the stories that we need to track down because it is immoral."

While criticizing the ethics of the practice, Dr. Gellin did not say which government agency would investigate and what the penalties would be if distributors or physicians were indeed price gouging.

[corylav]

P.S. While Eckerd is advertising free flu shots, you have to pay $20 up front, then file with your insurance company ... so have some cash with you (or a check).

[corylav]

P.S. While Eckerd is advertising free flu shots, you have to pay $20 up front, then file with your insurance company ... so have some cash with you (or a check).

[talkingcanes]

P.S. While Eckerd is advertising free flu shots, you have to pay $20 up front, then file with your insurance company ... so have some cash with you (or a check).

unless you have BCBS, then you show your card, a picture ID, and confirm that you are in one of the preferred groups and get your shot.

[talkingcanes]

P.S. While Eckerd is advertising free flu shots, you have to pay $20 up front, then file with your insurance company ... so have some cash with you (or a check).

unless you have BCBS, then you show your card, a picture ID, and confirm that you are in one of the preferred groups and get your shot.

[corylav]

thanks for the clarification ...

[corylav]

thanks for the clarification ...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Gee, waiting in line for hours, $700 for a $67 drug.....you think we had socialized healthcare or something. Wait, folks in those nations aren't having this problem. ;)


Let me just beg you all to not go off half-cocked on some pharmacist somewhere about this. Yes, I'm aware that a percentage of chain pharmacists are total arseholes on good days but most of them really aren't and they have an extremely frustrating job. It's not their fault that this is happening and they're most likely working overtime and busting their hump to try and get these flu shots given. You're probably having to wait in line for hours because their supervisors didn't bother to get someone to staff the regular pharmacy while they were giving the shots so they're still doing their regular job in addition to these shots. Please, cut 'em some slack. I probably know lots of them. :sad:

OK, end of my pharmacist's public service message. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Gee, waiting in line for hours, $700 for a $67 drug.....you think we had socialized healthcare or something. Wait, folks in those nations aren't having this problem. ;)


Let me just beg you all to not go off half-cocked on some pharmacist somewhere about this. Yes, I'm aware that a percentage of chain pharmacists are total arseholes on good days but most of them really aren't and they have an extremely frustrating job. It's not their fault that this is happening and they're most likely working overtime and busting their hump to try and get these flu shots given. You're probably having to wait in line for hours because their supervisors didn't bother to get someone to staff the regular pharmacy while they were giving the shots so they're still doing their regular job in addition to these shots. Please, cut 'em some slack. I probably know lots of them. :sad:

OK, end of my pharmacist's public service message. :beatup:

[guinevere]

Gee, waiting in line for hours, $700 for a $67 drug.....you think we had socialized healthcare or something. Wait, folks in those nations aren't having this problem. ;)


Let me just beg you all to not go off half-cocked on some pharmacist somewhere about this. Yes, I'm aware that a percentage of chain pharmacists are total arseholes on good days but most of them really aren't and they have an extremely frustrating job. It's not their fault that this is happening and they're most likely working overtime and busting their hump to try and get these flu shots given. You're probably having to wait in line for hours because their supervisors didn't bother to get someone to staff the regular pharmacy while they were giving the shots so they're still doing their regular job in addition to these shots. Please, cut 'em some slack. I probably know lots of them. :sad:

OK, end of my pharmacist's public service message. :beatup:

I don't *think* anyone was blaming the pharmacists. I was thinking Eckerds could have handled it better.

[guinevere]

Gee, waiting in line for hours, $700 for a $67 drug.....you think we had socialized healthcare or something. Wait, folks in those nations aren't having this problem. ;)


Let me just beg you all to not go off half-cocked on some pharmacist somewhere about this. Yes, I'm aware that a percentage of chain pharmacists are total arseholes on good days but most of them really aren't and they have an extremely frustrating job. It's not their fault that this is happening and they're most likely working overtime and busting their hump to try and get these flu shots given. You're probably having to wait in line for hours because their supervisors didn't bother to get someone to staff the regular pharmacy while they were giving the shots so they're still doing their regular job in addition to these shots. Please, cut 'em some slack. I probably know lots of them. :sad:

OK, end of my pharmacist's public service message. :beatup:

I don't *think* anyone was blaming the pharmacists. I was thinking Eckerds could have handled it better.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I don't *think* anyone was blaming the pharmacists. I was thinking Eckerds could have handled it better.

I didn't think they were. I was just pre-emptively asking that no one go unload on the poor pharmacist with the needle that they have to wait 3 hours to see. :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I don't *think* anyone was blaming the pharmacists. I was thinking Eckerds could have handled it better.

I didn't think they were. I was just pre-emptively asking that no one go unload on the poor pharmacist with the needle that they have to wait 3 hours to see. :D

[VandyCane]

Eckerd at Capitol was where my dad got his last night. He's 66 and has diabetes--waited over four hours! He said that everyone was patient and cordial too. One guy started registering people to vote.

Those of you with little kids who meet the guidelines (6-23 months, sibs of less than <6 months, diabetes, asthma) check with your pediatricians office. Our office has about half our usual amount, but at least we have some.

[VandyCane]

Eckerd at Capitol was where my dad got his last night. He's 66 and has diabetes--waited over four hours! He said that everyone was patient and cordial too. One guy started registering people to vote.

Those of you with little kids who meet the guidelines (6-23 months, sibs of less than <6 months, diabetes, asthma) check with your pediatricians office. Our office has about half our usual amount, but at least we have some.

[Alicia]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

[Alicia]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

Aw, you know you just looked like the type to bless out the pharmacist. ;) :kiss:

Glad you got yours!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

Aw, you know you just looked like the type to bless out the pharmacist. ;) :kiss:

Glad you got yours!!

[Alicia]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

Aw, you know you just looked like the type to bless out the pharmacist. ;) :kiss:

Glad you got yours!!

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

[Alicia]

Got mine today...I only had to wait roughly an hour and a half, and they even took me ahead of about 8 other people for some reason. :huh:

Aw, you know you just looked like the type to bless out the pharmacist. ;) :kiss:

Glad you got yours!!

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

There is also another option to the traditional flu vaccine...the inhaled flu vax (Flumist). You cannot get this vaccine if you're immunocompromised or if you live with a transplant patient or anyone else who is chronically immunocompromised because it is a live attenuated (meaning less virulent than the regular flu virus) vaccine. And I think there's an age limit, too. But, if you and your family are healthy it might be an option. If you're really concerned and aren't in the list of those who should get the vaccine you might want to ask your doctor about Flumist. There is some controversy about it but really no more than there is about any other live vaccine (and I'm betting we've all had a few of those).

[SouthernHockeyChick]

There is also another option to the traditional flu vaccine...the inhaled flu vax (Flumist). You cannot get this vaccine if you're immunocompromised or if you live with a transplant patient or anyone else who is chronically immunocompromised because it is a live attenuated (meaning less virulent than the regular flu virus) vaccine. And I think there's an age limit, too. But, if you and your family are healthy it might be an option. If you're really concerned and aren't in the list of those who should get the vaccine you might want to ask your doctor about Flumist. There is some controversy about it but really no more than there is about any other live vaccine (and I'm betting we've all had a few of those).

[nccanes]

Wow - I was out of town this weekend and was just coming here to post may parents' experience and find that it's being repeated everywhere.

I've been a little worried about my folks since they'd been traveling and likely had not gotten their shots yet. Apparently they went on Sat (they live in a very popular retirement area in Western NC - so there are TONS of the old folks in need). Anyway, long story short. My aunt had arrived nearly 2 hours ahead of them and collapsed/vomited while in line. Someone that knew them found my mother in line so she could follow the ambulance to the ER (she will be seeing the Dr today for a follow up, but so far she seems fine). My father has Alz, so another set of friends in line stayed with him while my mother went to her sister. They did allow her to receive her shot before leaving.

She returned afterward and STILL had to wait a number of hours with my father to receive his shot. I'd have to refer to her email, but I believe they arrived around 9am and he got his shot around 1pm.

Absolute insanity, imo. But I'm thrilled they've all rec'd their shots - lets hope those old fogies didn't toss around all sorts of germs while they waited. :roll:

[nccanes]

Wow - I was out of town this weekend and was just coming here to post may parents' experience and find that it's being repeated everywhere.

I've been a little worried about my folks since they'd been traveling and likely had not gotten their shots yet. Apparently they went on Sat (they live in a very popular retirement area in Western NC - so there are TONS of the old folks in need). Anyway, long story short. My aunt had arrived nearly 2 hours ahead of them and collapsed/vomited while in line. Someone that knew them found my mother in line so she could follow the ambulance to the ER (she will be seeing the Dr today for a follow up, but so far she seems fine). My father has Alz, so another set of friends in line stayed with him while my mother went to her sister. They did allow her to receive her shot before leaving.

She returned afterward and STILL had to wait a number of hours with my father to receive his shot. I'd have to refer to her email, but I believe they arrived around 9am and he got his shot around 1pm.

Absolute insanity, imo. But I'm thrilled they've all rec'd their shots - lets hope those old fogies didn't toss around all sorts of germs while they waited. :roll:

[VandyCane]

There is also another option to the traditional flu vaccine...the inhaled flu vax (Flumist). You cannot get this vaccine if you're immunocompromised or if you live with a transplant patient or anyone else who is chronically immunocompromised because it is a live attenuated (meaning less virulent than the regular flu virus) vaccine. And I think there's an age limit, too. But, if you and your family are healthy it might be an option. If you're really concerned and aren't in the list of those who should get the vaccine you might want to ask your doctor about Flumist. There is some controversy about it but really no more than there is about any other live vaccine (and I'm betting we've all had a few of those).

Flu Mist is a great vaccine. There is some debate about whether the supply (only 1.1 million doses) needs to be saved for healthy health care workers and healthy parents/siblings of those under 6 months, daycare workers, etc. We are expecting to receive our supply soon but we stopped taking names until we can sort our if we can give it to anyone who is healthy or just those that match the "at-risk" criteria. I can tell you I'm doing Flu Mist for myself (and two other doctors too) in order to save the shot for those who only have that as an option.

[VandyCane]

There is also another option to the traditional flu vaccine...the inhaled flu vax (Flumist). You cannot get this vaccine if you're immunocompromised or if you live with a transplant patient or anyone else who is chronically immunocompromised because it is a live attenuated (meaning less virulent than the regular flu virus) vaccine. And I think there's an age limit, too. But, if you and your family are healthy it might be an option. If you're really concerned and aren't in the list of those who should get the vaccine you might want to ask your doctor about Flumist. There is some controversy about it but really no more than there is about any other live vaccine (and I'm betting we've all had a few of those).

Flu Mist is a great vaccine. There is some debate about whether the supply (only 1.1 million doses) needs to be saved for healthy health care workers and healthy parents/siblings of those under 6 months, daycare workers, etc. We are expecting to receive our supply soon but we stopped taking names until we can sort our if we can give it to anyone who is healthy or just those that match the "at-risk" criteria. I can tell you I'm doing Flu Mist for myself (and two other doctors too) in order to save the shot for those who only have that as an option.

[Mona]

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

and knowing you, you would have if he had given you any lip! :p ;)

Sorry E for the bad time your family members had.. :sad:

[Mona]

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

and knowing you, you would have if he had given you any lip! :p ;)

Sorry E for the bad time your family members had.. :sad:

[Guyute]

damn E, that's terrible. glad everyone got thier shots though.

we've had No luck at all. Our pediatrician said they have them but will only give them to kids. Shell explained that Cole was only 3 months old, so it was her and I that need them. no go. said go to our doc. told her our doc doesn't have any. said try calling the health dept or something. :roll:

this is absolutely ridiculous. it's damn near impossible to protect our child. :mad:

[Guyute]

damn E, that's terrible. glad everyone got thier shots though.

we've had No luck at all. Our pediatrician said they have them but will only give them to kids. Shell explained that Cole was only 3 months old, so it was her and I that need them. no go. said go to our doc. told her our doc doesn't have any. said try calling the health dept or something. :roll:

this is absolutely ridiculous. it's damn near impossible to protect our child. :mad:

[Alicia]

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

and knowing you, you would have if he had given you any lip! :p ;)

You know me too well! :evil: ;)

[Alicia]

Thanks! Actually I got mine at Lowe's Foods in Graham...guess I could've blessed out the produce manager, or run over his foot! :evil: :beatup:

and knowing you, you would have if he had given you any lip! :p ;)

You know me too well! :evil: ;)

[VandyCane]

Guyute and Shell--

I've been told that the Med Stop Urgent Care on Capital/Highwoods will vaccinate the parents of those less than 6 months. Their charge is $25.

You may want to check the dates at some local Kroger's. They charge $20.

Hope that helps.

[VandyCane]

Guyute and Shell--

I've been told that the Med Stop Urgent Care on Capital/Highwoods will vaccinate the parents of those less than 6 months. Their charge is $25.

You may want to check the dates at some local Kroger's. They charge $20.

Hope that helps.

[Guyute]

thanks Vandy, I'll try to look into that.

Everywhere locally I've seen doing shots are only doing them 10am-2pm. that's assinine. We take a crazy amount of time off already, I can't afford a half-day standing in line. guess we'll keep trying. hopefully that Med Stop will have something better...

[Guyute]

thanks Vandy, I'll try to look into that.

Everywhere locally I've seen doing shots are only doing them 10am-2pm. that's assinine. We take a crazy amount of time off already, I can't afford a half-day standing in line. guess we'll keep trying. hopefully that Med Stop will have something better...

[nccanes]

I have a friend who is pregnant and called our local Kerr drug today about the shots they are giving today in that mid-day time slot - there were already people lining up at 9am.

Good luck everyone.

I hate to show how uninformed I am, but are they expecting a bad year for the flu itself or just bad because there is a flu shot shortage.

[nccanes]

I have a friend who is pregnant and called our local Kerr drug today about the shots they are giving today in that mid-day time slot - there were already people lining up at 9am.

Good luck everyone.

I hate to show how uninformed I am, but are they expecting a bad year for the flu itself or just bad because there is a flu shot shortage.

[VandyCane]

That's a hard question E. Nobody really knows how bad a flu season is going to be until we are in the midst of it. Last year's season was only "bad" because it came so early and therefore people hadn't gotten around to be immunized. Also the strain circulating wasn't a perfect match to the vaccine. This years vaccine does have last years strain but of course now we know that many people won't be able to get vaccinated.

The big fear in the infectious diseases world is that we are due (looking back at history) for a world-wide "pandemic." A pandemic occurs when a flu virus normally seen only in animals makes the jump to humans. Since humans have never seen the virus there is little natural immunity to it. The biggest concern is that the Avian Flu in Asia has affected some humans. The question is--is it just bird to human transmission or is there human to human transmission. If it's human to human, we could conceivably be in trouble. There are scientists working on vaccines for that, but of course in the extremely early stages, nothing available for commercial distribution. The last world-wide pandemic was 1919--the one apolinar mentioned as cancelling the Stanley Cup Final.

That's probably more than you wanted to know, lol!

[VandyCane]

That's a hard question E. Nobody really knows how bad a flu season is going to be until we are in the midst of it. Last year's season was only "bad" because it came so early and therefore people hadn't gotten around to be immunized. Also the strain circulating wasn't a perfect match to the vaccine. This years vaccine does have last years strain but of course now we know that many people won't be able to get vaccinated.

The big fear in the infectious diseases world is that we are due (looking back at history) for a world-wide "pandemic." A pandemic occurs when a flu virus normally seen only in animals makes the jump to humans. Since humans have never seen the virus there is little natural immunity to it. The biggest concern is that the Avian Flu in Asia has affected some humans. The question is--is it just bird to human transmission or is there human to human transmission. If it's human to human, we could conceivably be in trouble. There are scientists working on vaccines for that, but of course in the extremely early stages, nothing available for commercial distribution. The last world-wide pandemic was 1919--the one apolinar mentioned as cancelling the Stanley Cup Final.

That's probably more than you wanted to know, lol!

[Guyute]

oh yeah, I'd be willing to bet there are people at those places at 7am, waiting for a 10am shot.

as for the severity of it... they're expecting a pandemic. there have only been 3 flu seasons that bad (pandemic status) in the last century. I'm sure it's mostly because there are 40 million (or whatever absurd #) less vaccinations available this year.

but I read an article a couple of weeks ago about about problems in Thailand with a bird flu outbreak. there's much concern about a new strain developing from bird + human flu.

here's a CNN article I came across-
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/condistions/08/25/flu.prep.ap/

[Guyute]

oh yeah, I'd be willing to bet there are people at those places at 7am, waiting for a 10am shot.

as for the severity of it... they're expecting a pandemic. there have only been 3 flu seasons that bad (pandemic status) in the last century. I'm sure it's mostly because there are 40 million (or whatever absurd #) less vaccinations available this year.

but I read an article a couple of weeks ago about about problems in Thailand with a bird flu outbreak. there's much concern about a new strain developing from bird + human flu.

here's a CNN article I came across-
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/condistions/08/25/flu.prep.ap/

[Shell]

People camp overnight to get flu shots

Assisted by WTTG McLEAN, Va. (AP) _ It's the same story today in northern Virginia as it's been in Richmond and other Virginia cities this week.

Some people waited all night at a supermarket to secure a spot in line for a flu shot.

Some of the people at the Giant in McLean had camped out since ten o'clock last night night. At six this morning, store workers began handing out numbers to the first 250 people in line. It took just 15-minutes before they ran out, and the store is now turning away anyone without a number.

Another Giant, in Dale City, had people lined up yesterday before dawn, waiting for flu shots that wouldn't be given until noon.

The other flu shot clinic scheduled this week in Prince William County is supposed to be at a Giant store Lake Ridge.

[Shell]

People camp overnight to get flu shots

Assisted by WTTG McLEAN, Va. (AP) _ It's the same story today in northern Virginia as it's been in Richmond and other Virginia cities this week.

Some people waited all night at a supermarket to secure a spot in line for a flu shot.

Some of the people at the Giant in McLean had camped out since ten o'clock last night night. At six this morning, store workers began handing out numbers to the first 250 people in line. It took just 15-minutes before they ran out, and the store is now turning away anyone without a number.

Another Giant, in Dale City, had people lined up yesterday before dawn, waiting for flu shots that wouldn't be given until noon.

The other flu shot clinic scheduled this week in Prince William County is supposed to be at a Giant store Lake Ridge.