Swine Flu Vaccination Shortage
Getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine in a study at the VCU Medical Center in September.
Want to know where you can get the swine flu vaccine and when? Well, it might be a while.
Right now, the vaccine is being distributed at a few schools in the Richmond area, but not to the public at large. Priority groups and schools are getting the vaccine first, as young children are more susceptible to the virus. Then the vaccine will be put out to clinics and medical facilities in mid-November.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a story about limited N1H1 vaccine available in Chesterfield. Other local schools like Mary Mumford distributed the H1N1 flu vaccine to their students and staff earlier this week.
"All Richmond public schools are in the process of being vaccinated," George Jones, a public information officer with the Richmond City Health District, says. Students will be notified of swine flu shots by their school. It's just a question of time, as shipments of the vaccine aren't coming as quickly as many hoped.
But what about the public at large? What if you're an adult and you want to get vaccinated? What if you have a small child at home and you're looking to get the vaccine outside of a school?
"The best advice is to contact your doctor, pediatrician or ob-gyn [to find out if they have the vaccine]," says Jane Pratt, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health. But many doctor's offices in the area don't have the vaccine yet either, as slower-than-expected production is making the H1N1 vaccine difficult to find across the country.
According to the Virginia Department of Health's website, the vaccine should be available to the general public in mid-November. That's when you'll be able to stop by your local CVS, Walgreen's and doctor's office to get a vaccine for H1N1. Although there is currently a delay and both spokespeople could not promise that the vaccine will be delivered by any specific date.
In the meantime, here are some links and numbers to help you stay ahead of the swine flu:
Richmond City Health District: You can call them at 205-3500 to find out more about the H1N1 vaccine and where (and if) it is available. Click here for a list of health districts to contact for Chesterfield, Henrico and more.
Flu Clinic Locator: Find a vaccine clinic near you. Again, the vaccine won't be available to the public until at least mid-November.
Frequently Asked Questions: Covers the symptoms of swine flu, tips to avoid getting it and what you should do if you get sick
Swine Flu Coverage on TimesDispatch.com: Continuously updated archive of all news stories on local swine flu vaccinations, outbreaks and more, including videos and an outbreak map
What about you, Richmond? Where are you finding the H1N1 vaccine? Does your doctor have it? If you have suggestions where to find it, spread the love and share your tips in our Comments sections.
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