Is There Enough H1N1 Vaccine To Go Around?

The line of cars you see are probably not to be first in line for the hottest toy this holiday season. All around the country, lines are piling up as people are turning out in record numbers to get flu shots. Flu shots are particularly on the top of people’s attention this year with both H1N1 and seasonal flu active. As winter and flu season approach and with H1N1 already spreading at an alarming rate, a new concern is growing about whether or not there is enough H1N1 vaccine to go around.

CVS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Troyen Brennan said that people are showing up in record numbers for vaccinations and that there have been shortages. “There are spot shortages everywhere, but we’re still obtaining vaccine and we still have baccine in our stores.”

When asked about shortages, Brennan said, “We do believe there will be enough. The government’s been very careful in terms of the amount of H1N1 its ordered and that’s coming online right now. It goes from the federal government out to the state health departments and then the state health departments all decide how they'll distribute it from there."

So, while flu shots are a great way to protect yourself, your family, and friends, it is also important to take some precautions to ensure safety.

If you suspect that you are sick or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever or chills and cough or sore throat, it is best to stay at home from work or school for at least 24 hours until the fever subsides. Other flu symptoms include runny nose, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Staying home doesn’t just give you time to rest and recover, it also helps to prevent the spread of the flu to co-workers or classmates.

H1N1, like so many other viruses, is spread person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of people with the virus. Other times, people can be infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it, then spreading it by touching your nose or mouth. So in your everyday life, some precautions to take to avoid catching H1N1 are to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; clean common areas which are touched by many people including phones, keyboards and doorknobs; and maintain a healthy lifestyle of rest, exercise, and diet.

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