| The lack of seasonal flu vaccine has forced | | | | people are real flu conscious, and are really taking |
| Jefferson County’s largest school district to | | | | words to heart, they need to get their flu shot |
| cancel seasonal flu clinics. The Jefferson County | | | | and as a result they’ve created a |
| School District was scheduled to have five flu | | | | shortage.“ |
| clinics. Four of them have been cancelled. The | | | | The district did hold one flu clinic for employees. |
| Department of Public Health blames high demand. | | | | More than 400 were vaccinated but the other |
| While swine flu vaccine is making its way to | | | | four clinics have been canceled. Storie is hopeful |
| Alabama, the state department of public health is | | | | they will be rescheduled. |
| out of seasonal flu vaccine. | | | | Storie said, “We have such a wonderful |
| Jefferson County School officials are hopeful flu | | | | relationship with the health department that I feel |
| clinics will be rescheduled. An official with the | | | | pretty confident that if more vaccine’s |
| department of public health isn’t so sure. | | | | available, hopefully, we’ll be able to |
| Seasonal flu vaccine clinics are on hold for these | | | | reschedule.“ |
| central office employees with the Jefferson | | | | Unfortunately the state health department |
| County School District. The vaccines were set | | | | isn’t so sure. An official there isn’t sure |
| up through the health department and would have | | | | if manufacturers will honor current orders and is |
| been paid for by insurance. | | | | no longer taking new ones. |
| Jefferson Co Schools, Ken Storie said, “Right | | | | Remember the height of seasonal flu for us is |
| now, we’ve canceled all of them, waiting on | | | | usually January thru March. If more vaccine |
| the health department when and if vaccines | | | | arrives, there’s still time to get protected. |
| become available.“ | | | | H1N1 or swine flu vaccine should be available early |
| The district received word yesterday the state | | | | November. |
| didn’t have any seasonal vaccine to send to | | | | Other flu clinics across the state have also been |
| the local health department for the flu clinics. | | | | canceled due to a shortage of seasonal flu |
| Storie said, “I think that’s what led to this, | | | | vaccine. |