Flu Vaccine In High Demand
While state health officials learned last week that Georgia’s first flu cases of the season have been confirmed, the masses are finding out that flu vaccinations are few and far between—everywhere. And Jasper County is not excluded.
With suppliers throughout the nation running low on vaccinations, health care providers are scrambling to find vaccines in order to meet high demands.
As of Tuesday morning the Jasper County Health Department had depleted its supply with the exception of some previously scheduled appointments, said Donna Graybill. The department will not be making any new appointments for three or four days this week until a new shipment of vaccines arrives.
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Mrs. Graybill said a new shipment of the adult vaccine is expected by Friday from their district office in Macon. The vaccine is $20 per shot. While the department will offer vaccinations for adults there are none for children. Adults looking to vaccinate their children for the winter will have to visit their private physician.
Parents if your healthcare provider is Primary Care Center your kids are in luck. PCC Administrator Jan Gaston said that flu vaccines for ages 6-35 months were available but only for PCC patients with Georgia Better Healthcare programs.
On the flip side, PCC no longer has any more adult vaccinations to offer its patients and will not be receiving anymore as a private provider.
“We ran out yesterday [Monday] after three months of being stocked with the flu vaccine,” said Mrs. Gaston.
Jasper Memorial Hospital doesn’t normally offer the flu vaccination but emergency room patients may receive it. However, the hospital is currently out of vaccines.
Children and adults who act fast may be able to receive shots at the Monticello Medical Center. Center representative Danielle Carder said Tuesday that a few vaccines were still available to patients with or without charts at no extra cost. Shots are $25 each.
Beyond getting vaccinated, people can protect themselves and their loved-ones from potentially deadly influenza by the following:
•Wash your hands often.
•Keeping your hands away from your lips, eyes and nose.
•Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. .
•When you are sick, stay home from school or work.
