More flu shots available for babies
After closing the door on the flu shot situation in Warren County, local health officials are opening it back up after a last-minute shipment of pediatric flu vaccine has arrived.
While there is currently no more flu vaccine locally available for adults following a nation-wide shortage this year, Warren County Health Department nurse Gerane Benkarski said Monday the department received 150 doses of vaccine intended for babies and toddlers last week.
The department initially only received 50 out of 200 doses originally requested for the age group, but has now received all that was ordered, she said.
The vaccine that is currently available is intended for all babies or toddlers who are 6 to 23 months old. That age group is one of several identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considered at high risk for developing complications from the flu.
There is a difference between adult and pediatric doses of the flu shot, as the initial pediatric dose for that age group is half what an adult dose would be. Health officials typically advise a second dose later on, but Benkarski said that won’t be an option this year given the shortage.
Although the Tennessee Department of Health was expected to get some more vaccine that could be used for high-risk adults, Benkarski said yesterday she didn’t know if the local health department would get any more in connection with the development.
Health officials will be accepting general appointments for the pediatric vaccine on a first-come, first-serve basis. The shots cost $10. For more information, contact the health department at 473-8468.