OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Trey Frisch is getting “misted” at Premier Pediatrics in Overland Park. The five-year-old is fortunate to get the nasal flu vaccine. There hasn’t been any for some other patients here recently.
“It means they have to make another trip back to the office. It means my staff have to create extra appointments to get those people back,” said Dr. Deborah Winburn.
Manufacturers are citing a variety of production, distribution and quality control issues. They’ve resulted in many offices getting smaller allotments of not only FluMist but also the shots.
It’s frustrating for John Bridgewater. He came to Shawnee Mission Primary Care after recently being hospitalized with diabetes complications. Bridgewater wanted to get his flu shot, but the clinic doesn’t have any for people ages three to 65, and it doesn’t expect more for two weeks.
“It’s the idea you’ve already paid to come to see the doctor and now I’m gonna have to pay again somewhere else,” said Bridgewater.
Dr. Anthony Healy says there will still be time to get immunized before flu season picks up.
“But it certainly is inconvenient. They’re here. They’re ready to get immunized which is, from what I’ve seen this year, a very positive thing,” said the family physician.
The clinic does have plenty of higher-dose vaccine, but it’s only for people 65 and older.
Manufacturers emphasize there are delays not shortages. One manufacturer says all its vaccine will be available by late October, while another says November.
Back at Premier Pediatrics, there’s some good news.
“Supposed to have a thousand FluMist tomorrow,” said Dr. Winburn.
She says the clinic will play catch up so kids have protection as flu season starts.
The best advice is to call ahead to make sure vaccine is available. Several free flu shot clinics are coming up in the metro, and organizers say they do have their supplies in:
Wednesday, Oct. 15 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at KCK Community College, 7250 State, Kansas City, Kan.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shawnee Mission Health – Prairie Star will host its second annual free drive-thru flu shot clinic on at 23401 Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa, Kan., while supplies last.
Area residents ages 18 and older can simply drive up, roll down their window and roll up their sleeve to receive a free flu shot from their car. The vaccine is not available for those under age 18, have an egg allergy or history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Canned food donations are encouraged but not required.
Friday, Nov. 14 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mexican Consulate, 1619 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.
Monday, Dec. 8 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mexican Consulate, 1619 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.