Swine Flu Vaccine Delayed
Authorities had hoped to have all "high-risk" patients vaccinated by Dec. 31
By SCOTT WEBER
Updated 3:25 PM PST, Thu, Nov 5, 2009
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At least 25 city and county health agencies have received less than 45% of the H1N1 vaccine they ordered potentially jeopardizing those most at risk of getting the virus, according to the LA Times.
Authorities had hoped to have all "high-risk" patients vaccinated by Dec. 31 but high demand and delays in manufacturing may push back the date. 13,000 health providers ordered vaccines statewide, including 3,000 in L.A. County.
“We may not be able to meet the target if the vaccine does not get here," Dr. Gil Chavez, epidemiologist for the California Department of Public Health, told the Times.
"High risk" groups include pregnant women, healthcare workers, people ages 2-24, caregivers of babies under 6 months old, and people ages 25-64 with chronic health conditions that put them at increased risk of complications from the flu.
State officials hope to deliver more vaccine within two weeks and ordered another 500,000 doses Wednesday, Chavez told the Times.
First Published: Nov 5, 2009 2:39 PM PST
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