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ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Health Department said Thursday that it will suspend seasonal flu and pneumonia shot clinics indefinitely after today because of a shortage of the flu vaccine.
Friday's clinics are scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. at Curves for Women, 2430 S. Alpine Road, and 1 to 4 p.m. at Hononegah High School in Rockton. Public information officer Sue Fuller said the department hopes to be able to resume clinics in mid-November.
Administrator Mike Bacon said the shortage occurred because suppliers have been unable to deliver vaccines that its producers warned in late September might be late in coming and because of greater than anticipated demand for it.
“The public was certainly getting the late summer message of the importance of getting the flu shot,” Bacon said, “and the expectation was there on the part of the provider community that the vaccines would be available, but the demand is definitely higher than what we have normally.”
The Health Department is part of a local influenza vaccine consortium that includes SwedishAmerican Health System, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford Health System, Crusader Community Health and the Visiting Nurses Association. The consortium made a total order of 66,990 vaccine doses and had 16,000 doses on hand Oct. 2.
Bacon said the shortage does not mean the county is completely out of the flu vaccine. He said private providers do not have to report their supplies to the department.
“Resuming the clinics in mid-November really isn’t that big of a problem,” Bacon said. “November and December are when we would normally be hitting our stride with flu clinics, anyway, and the message has always been there that it’s never too late to get a flu shot.”
Fuller said the Health Department will reschedule clinics as vaccine becomes available. In the meantime, she said, people should wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and contain germs by staying home if they are sick.
More information is available at wchd.org or 815-720-4000.
Reach staff writer Mike DeDoncker at mdedoncker@rrstar.com or 815-987-1382.
MORE FLU COVERAGE
Special report: Find info on flu and H1N1 virus
Oct. 15: Rockford schools urge H1N1 vaccination
Oct. 7: County health chief stresses flu battle plan
Sept. 25: Rockford schools prep for flu with vaccines, masks
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