RI waiting for more seasonal flu vaccine

PROVIDENCE—The Rhode Island Department of Health said Thursday it distributed a record number of seasonal flu vaccinations in October.

Health Department spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth said nearly 250,000 seasonal-flu vaccines were distributed to doctors and clinics. She said most have been administered.

About 300,000 vaccinations were ordered in February, leaving the state 55,000 short. About 20,000 additional adult seasonal nasal spray vaccinations have not come in either.
“That has not arrived yet and when that arrives, that will be distributed to any health care provider who’s enrolled in our adult immunization program and has requested additional doses of FluMist,“ Beardsworth said.

The Health Department said more adult seasonal flu vaccinations will be coming to Rhode Island. Some chain pharmacies might have a limited supply and those interested are urged to contact their local store.

“We know that it’s frustrating for people. We know that there are people out there that want to get a seasonal flu shot, and they just can’t find a place to find it,“ Beardsworth said.

Beardsworth said the Health Department is also waiting for 20,000 seasonal flu vaccines for children. She said the vaccines have been ordered and should be arriving next week at pediatricians’ offices.

The seasonal flu typically peaks in Rhode Island in late January and early February.