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EVERETT -- Even though the start of flu season is just a few weeks away, some area clinics already report that their supplies are dwindling.

"We're actually using more vaccine this year than last year," said Bonnie Neff, who coordinates the flu shot clinics for The Everett Clinic.

Some 16,500 doses were ordered and about 630 remain on hand, she said.

"We have a limited supply remaining," said Joyce Hornecker, director or nursing for Medalia Medical Group.

Medalia clinics are recommending that patients who want the shots should call their local clinic to make sure they can get it.

The Snohomish Health District has given the shot to 5,214 people so far this year, 460 more than this time last year.

"We have had to order additional vaccine" to meet the demand, said spokeswoman Suzanne Pate.

More than 3,600 people have received the shot so far at Group Health's Everett Medical Center, its largest facility in Snohomish County. That's about the same number as received the shot last year, said Desiree Wallis, clinic coordinator.

Overall, the health care co-op ordered 110,000 doses and about 10,000 does remain in the warehouse, spokeswoman Heather Tien said.

Generally, the shot is recommended for anyone age 50 and up, and those with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or diseases of the heart, lungs or kidneys, severe anemia or conditions causing lowered resistance to infections.

Also urged to get the shot are women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season, and children 6-23 months of age.

It takes about two weeks after the shot to build up immunity to the virus.

So far, no cases of flu have been confirmed in Washington, although one is being investigated, said Phyllis Shoemaker who monitors the disease for the state Health Department.

Most of the flu cases documented so far have been in Texas and the southeastern U.S., Shoemaker said.

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486
or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.

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