Limited supply of flu shots remains

Flathead County Health Officer Joe Russell said the county has limited vaccine left after immunizing 2,016 people at last weeks mass flu shot clinic.

Were going to continue to do as much as we can with the amount of vaccine we have left, Russell said.

The departments supply dwindled to about 500 doses following the mass clinic. Immunizations offered in Whitefish and Columbia Falls on Tuesday were expected to reduce that number. The community health staff travels each month for these satellite clinics:

Bigfork: First Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, 639 Commerce St.

Columbia Falls: Second Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon in the Columbia Falls volunteer ambulance building, 31 Seventh St. W.

Whitefish: Second Tuesday of each month from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Golden Agers Senior Center, 121 Second St.

Canyon area: Third Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Canyon Elementary School.

People also may receive shots Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the health building at 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell.

Russell suggests people interested in a flu shot call 751-8110 to make certain vaccine is available. The Community Health Department closes for immunizations on the days of the satellite clinics due to staffing shortages.

He encourages the public to come to the satellite clinics or the Kalispell Wednesday session to ensure a nurse is available to administer the shot.

Russell said a surge of even 500 people seeking shots would exceed the Kalispell departments capacity. A few years ago, a vaccine shortage and flu scare brought a three-hour wait and a line that reached down First Avenue West.

Russell said the United States still needs to address supply problems. He said global flu immunizations fall short of Centers for Disease Control goals.

We just arent given enough vaccine, he said. I have that overwhelming concern.

Russell doesnt expect to receive any more doses this year from Aventis, a large international supplier of flu vaccine. Once the department starts to runs out, the staff will survey other providers to find places to refer people for flu shots.

In the last week, sporadic flu activity was reported in many states near Montana including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Symptoms of influenza include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose. Public Health Nurse Allison Bishop said muscle aches help distinguish the flu from a cold.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.