We have received many phone calls and comments on this blog from people across the Commonwealth who have been unable to locate the H1N1 and Seasonal flu vaccines. We understand -- and share -- in this frustration and would like to provide some general information on how vaccine distribution takes place in the state.
As background, this is an unprecedented flu season. There are five major vaccine manufacturers who are working day and night to produce both seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines during the same time period. This has never been done before and, as a result, there have been some interruptions in the supply chain for both vaccines.
It's important to note that all vaccines are shipped directly from the manufacturer to the vaccine provider site -- DPH does not physically receive and then redistribute any vaccines. DPH does play two important roles in the vaccine distribution process: we serve as a registration point for health care providers who wish to receive vaccines for their patients and/or client populations, and we communicate with these providers about the weekly projected total amount of vaccine expected in the state.
The availability of vaccine at any given provider site at any given time may be sporadic at this time. Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, searchable by your zip code.
It's important to note that there are no public H1N1 vaccination clinics currently scheduled in the state. This is because, like all other states, we have only received a very small allotment of the total amount of H1N1 vaccine expected.
Again, we share your concern and frustration about these delays. However, we are confident that the federal government will continue to do everything they can to ensure the efficient distribution of safe and effective flu vaccines as they become available. This situation is sure to continue to evolve, and we pledge to keep you updated on this blog as it does.
this past Friday my niece received the nasal vaccine then headed up to Vermont to visit my sister's family. While in Vermont my niece had the sniffles and a runny nose all weekend. My nephew, on the other hand, has not recieved the vaccine yet but was exposed to my niece the entire weekend. Last night my nephew spiked a fever and is presenting with all the signs and symptoms of H1N1. Is it possible he caught the virus from my niece?
Posted by: Sharon | November 09, 2009 at 08:18 AM
I was told by my 12 years old daughters doctors office today that she most likely has H1N1 after describing her symptoms. The state will not allow testing to confirm H1N1 unless she is admitted to a hospital. Since we are to assume she does have it, can she get it again or should I still try to have her vaccinated after she recovers?
Posted by: Sue | October 27, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Hello, I have severe asthma and no health insurance.I'm wondering where/how I can get the H1N1 and seasonal flu shot. What am I to do? I live on Cape Cod. I found a doctor that had the H1N1 vaccine, but they couldn't tell me how much it would end up costing me, and as I have little money...I didn't want to get a bill I couldn't pay. Thus I did not get the shot. I don't have healh insurance because I can't afford the fees the state said I had to pay, so I go without.
Posted by: Jimmy | October 26, 2009 at 06:56 PM
How long after the official expiration date is Tamiflu effective? What are the current recommendations for physicians concerning when and how to prescribe Tamiflu for suspected H1N1? I have heard that two other drugs were on the cusp--perhaps approved this week-- of approval for H1N1. What are they and how do they compare to Tamiflu in therapeutic effects and side effects.
Posted by: David Rosmarin | October 23, 2009 at 02:13 PM
"All Massachusetts hospitals and community health centers, many pediatric care providers, and some obstetric care providers have been allocated small quantities of H1N1 vaccine."
According to my children's Pediatric Office -- Southboro Medical Group (which is also the group that houses my wife's and my own primary care phyisicians) -- they have received NO shipments of H1N1 vaccine yet.
Further, my wife had to take our children to Rite-Aid to get their seasonal flu shots last week as Southboro Medical did not have any vaccine on hand, and had not had any for several weeks. Why would the shipment of vaccines go first to "Big Box" pharmacies before pediatric offices?
I share with the commenters above a distinct frustration not because the supply of vaccines is short, but the priority of shipments is misplaced when the State's supply is on-hand.
Posted by: Paul Grasso | October 23, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Can you tell me where I would be able to find thimerosal-free H1N1 vaccine? CDC says it is being manufactured.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/thimerosal_qa.htm
Also, I am pregnant, what is Mass. DPH specifically doing to ensure pregnant women are given priority at the same time as children?
Posted by: Anna | October 23, 2009 at 12:22 PM
I agree with the comment that suggests the vaccine be distributed to the public schools. Everyday, information is coming out about how drastically affected the 8-24 age group is. They are not only the most susceptible to the virus, but spend their entire days in the most conducive environment for spreading it. As a parent, I feel like even when my pediatrician does get another shipment of vaccine, we may or may not have access to it, depending on whether I happen to see an announcement the minute they post it. Fear is mounting as news stories report on the weekly deaths. I think every school should receive enough vaccine for its population and the kids should be lined up, with permission forms and be vaccinated.
Posted by: Kathy G. | October 22, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Why is Massachusetts not holding any H1N1 public vaccinations for high risk groups like other states are?: http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx/agency/doh/section/2/release/18365
I'm a pregnant woman who cannot get a shot at my Ob Gyn or my primary care clinic because they don't have the shots yet, but I know that some Ob Gyn's and primary care clinics do because my pregnant friends have been able to obtain them. The fear of losing my baby and my life too is overwhelming and I cannot obtain a shot because my primary care and Ob Gyn have not received their part of the supply from the State yet. To make matters even worse, my primary care has stated that they may chose to give the vaccine to all the children patients prior to vaccinating the pregnant women when it does come in, which cuts down my chances of obtaining the vaccine even further.
Why in the isn't the State mandating what the high risks groups are to the doctors they are providing the vaccine to? I can't believe that doctors are allowed to do whatever they want with the vaccine they do get from the State, but they are. That's why the MA should be holding public clinics for the high risk groups like other states are. Everyone wants answers and if you ask the State, they say it's going directly to the doctors' offices and when you ask the doctors' offices, they say the State hasn't given them their supply yet. Therefore, my final question is: Who is controlling what doctors' offices receive the vaccine first? Thank you for clearing this up because transparency in this matter is key in keeping the general public informed.
Posted by: Michelle Winn | October 21, 2009 at 08:05 PM
"The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by continuing to stay in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, once more H1N1 vaccine is available, searchable by your zip code."
Can you stop reading from a script and provide useful information! Obviously health care provdiers are either misinformed or do not want to deal with their patients. This is absurd!!!
Posted by: Fed Up | October 21, 2009 at 07:45 PM
It's indeed very frustrating to try locating a health care provider to get my 9 year vaccinated. I'm just wondering why the state does not take the initiative to systematically go through the high-priority groups, such as starting with elementary schools and go from school to school. I think that'll reduce the confusion/frustration of a lot of the parents.
Posted by: Tony | October 21, 2009 at 03:01 PM
I realize this is not Commonwealth Public Health's fault but the government has done a terrible job of getting the H1N1 vaccine out to the public. If the manufacturer's can't get the job don they should be held accountable. They certainly will make millions of dollars. Top officals have a responsibilty to protect the citizens of this Country and are NOT doing so. And especially for our children, they need this vaccine.
Posted by: Kate | October 21, 2009 at 02:30 PM
In one of your responses below, you say that providers signed up for the vaccine online, and the vaccine is distributed where it will best reach high-risk groups first. But if two pediatric offices are similar, how is it decided which one gets it first? Is it just first-come, first-served for providers that are otherwise equal? (And more specifically, if my pediatrician's office doesn't have vaccine, but my neighbor's does, does that basically mean that my pediatrician dropped the ball and didn't register as quickly as the other one?)
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your questions. The federal government is working with vaccine manufacturers at the national level to ensure that H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are produced and shipped as quickly as possible into Massachusetts and the other states. As these supplies arrive in the state, the DPH immunization program is working with partners across the provider community to ensure that these vaccines are distributed to the highest-risk people as quickly as possible. Other things that are taken into consideration in making vaccine allocations include provider capacity (as they reported when they registered); whether or not they agree to take LAIV; and the number of doses and formulations of vaccine we are allocated. We share your frustration more vaccine is not available to distribute at this time, and appreciate your patience as we work through these complex issues.
Posted by: Steve Kenworthy | October 21, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Hello,
I am 33 and have asthma. I know I am not on the priority list for h1n1 vaccine, but would it make sense to get the pneumonia vaccine? The reason I ask is because I had heard that a lot of the fatalities associated with h1n1 were dual infections of h1n1 followed by another infection of something like strep pneumonia.
Thanks!
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. It’s great that you are thinking about this. You are in a target group for H1N1 vaccine (persons 25-64 years old with conditions that put them at higher risk, including asthma). You should get 1) the seasonal flu vaccine 2) the H1N1 vaccine 3) the pneumonia vaccine (now indicated for all adults who are smokers or who have asthma).
Posted by: Jonathan | October 21, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I am 64 years old and am taking care of my 2 month old granddaughter while her Mother is at work. She will not go into daycare until she is 6 months old and can receive the H1N1 vaccine.
I believe that this qualifies me as a high priority person. Is this correct? My health care provider does not have any vaccine yet, and does not know what he/we would have to do to get me qualified high priority.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. According to the CDC, the priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine are health care workers, pregnant women, children and young adults up to the age of 24, and adult 24-64 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from the flu. Within the state, our top priority is and will remain those members of the public who are at greatest risk. Initially that category includes children, pregnant women and health care workers. As supplies allow, we will also target young adults below the age of 25, and 25-64 year olds with certain underlying health conditions. Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, searchable by your zip code.
Posted by: Betsy | October 21, 2009 at 09:54 AM
I am in a high priority group - I have asthma. However, both my primary care doctor and pulmonary doctor are not on the list receiving the vaccine to distribute. Since there are no flu clinics available with this vaccine yet, how do I go about getting the vaccine?
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. It is important to remember that our top priority for vaccination is and will remain those members of the public who are at greatest risk. Initially that category includes children, pregnant women and health care workers. As supplies allow, we will also target young adults below the age of 25, and 25-64 year olds with certain underlying health conditions. As you probably know, public clinics will only be held at the point that there is sufficient volume to shift beyond the focus on these target groups. In the meantime, we would suggest reaching out to your regular health care provider to see if they are aware of any flu clinics that may be open to you, or you can contact your local community health center or local public health office who will both have a better understanding of the situation in your community.
Posted by: Julie MacMurray | October 21, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Hi,
I'm 29 years old and have Multiple Sclerosis. I'm also on an immuno-modulatory medication.
Interestingly enough, when I called my PCP's office, I was told that I was "not in a high priority group."
What??
Just because I am over 25?
I was told that only those 25 and under with chronic health conditions were considered "high priority."
Yet according to the CDC, I should be considered a member of a "priority group."
Since I apparently can't get the vaccine, what am I supposed to do? This is ridiculous.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your questions and we appreciate your frustrations. In the state, our top priority is and will remain those members of the public who are at greatest risk. Initially that category includes children, pregnant women and health care workers. As supplies allow, we will also target young adults below the age of 25, and 25-64 year olds with certain underlying health conditions. Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by continuing to stay in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, once more H1N1 vaccine is available, searchable by your zip code.
Posted by: Xenu | October 20, 2009 at 11:08 PM
How is it determined which doctors office receive the vaccines first? I know kids that have already gotten the flu shot and got the H1N1 shot today and others are getting the H1N1 tomorrow from their pediatricians office. Our pediatrician doesn't even have the seasonal flu shot.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your questions. This fall, DPH developed an on-line system to register all public and private provider sites interested in receiving and administering the H1N1 vaccine. Types of provider sites encouraged to enroll include private providers, hospitals, local health departments, regional public health coalitions, visiting nurses associations, clinics, pharmacists, occupational and employee health, and commercial community vaccinators. All vaccine supplies are then shipped directly from the manufacturer to the community-level provider. Every effort is being made by the federal government to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of both seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, searchable by your zip code.
Posted by: Deb | October 20, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I am calling my pediatrician twice a week to inquire about the H1N1 vaccine, I get the impression that I am bothering them. First I was told they had no vaccine, then when I pressed them they agreed to vaccinate my 9 year old son because he has asthma. I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old, and my pediatrician's office is not vaccinating them - not a high enough risk group for the current vaccine supply. This is very frustrating - the CDC guidelines specifically place my other two children in the high risk group sub-set. Which is accurate? Thanks.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question and we understand your frustration. In the state, our top priority is and will remain those members of the public who are at greatest risk. Initially that category includes children, pregnant women and health care workers. As supplies allow, we will also target young adults below the age of 25, and 25-64 year olds with certain underlying health conditions. That being said, providers must make decisions within those priority groups basedon the amount of vaccine they have. We would encourage you to continue to be in regular contact with your pediatrician’s office in order to make an appointment for your children once more vaccine becomes available.
Posted by: Lauren | October 20, 2009 at 07:53 PM
It has been very difficult to get the seasonal flu vaccine and/or H1N1 flu vaccine for those under nine years old. If the pediatrician does not have any vaccine, the options of locating the flu vaccine are extremely limited. Other flu shot providers such as Maxim Health Systems (CVS, Hannaford, Rite-Aid, Stop and Shop, etc.) or Walgreens have minimum age requirements of 9 years old and 12 years old respectfully in MA. Who sets the minimum age requirements and is there an opportunity for the minimum age requirement to be temporarily dropped to say 4 years old in order to expand the access to this high priority group? Otherwise, the minimum age requirement is artificially reallocating vaccine to non-priority groups that are greater than 9 years old for vaccine that is FDA approved to be used in younger age groups.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, many providers who don’t vaccinate younger children frequently are uncomfortable vaccinating them. These policies are set by the vaccinators, not by DPH. We would recommend contacting your child’s doctor to find out what the options are. Remember that children 9 and under (for H1N1) or 8 and under (seasonal flu) require two doses of vaccine separated by a month. You can also check on http://flu.masspro.org for flu clinics near you.
Posted by: Scott Dunn-Benson | October 20, 2009 at 07:23 PM
A couple of observations:
First, I feel sorry for DPH -- if there was ever an agency caught in the middle it's DPH. They are only doing what CDC has directed them to do and they have no control of the vaccine production process. What are they supposed to do?
Second, I will criticize them on the vaccination plans for prisons. Stop sounding so defensive about caring for prisoners. It's okay to provide care to prisoners -- we do it every day. If a prisoner meets the definition for a shot, that person should get one. Are you saying that a pregnant woman in prison will have to wait until pregnant women who are not prisoners are vaccinated? Why? Denial of basic medical care is not usually part of a prison sentence.
Posted by: Jean Smith | October 20, 2009 at 07:20 PM
My children 9 and 4 received the h1n1 mist today. I asked about a second dose and was told they will not be doing second dose administration. The reason is they feel it is better to give everyone at least one dose with a 85% success rate vs. covering only some 100%. So why is the CDC recommending a second dose if providers are not going to give it? What does one dose offer for my 4 and 9 year old?
Thanks
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. Younger children should get 2 doses one month apart. This guidance comes from CDC as well as Mass DPH. Your provider is probably trying to do the best he or she can with the limited supply of vaccine available. We expect this situation to improve over the next few weeks, in time to get your kids their second doses. If your provider is still unwilling or unable to administer the second doses, you should contact another provider or get in touch with your local board of health to find another setting to get the vaccine. You can also check on http://flu.masspro.org for flu clinics near you.
Posted by: Carrie Smith | October 20, 2009 at 05:10 PM
I am at high risk. I watch the charts, graphs and read everything I can get a hold of. It seems to me by the time the shots arrive MA the virus will already be in the "widespread" catagory. Will it be too late to get the shot(s)? -------------------------------------------------------------------
DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. If you are at high risk, you should contact your health care provider and talk about the flu. First, you should be among the first to get the vaccine and your provider, along with your local board of health (or http://flu.masspro.org), can help you get the vaccine as soon as possible. You are also a candidate for early treatment with antiviral medication if you get a flu-like illness and may need preventive treatment if you are exposed to someone like a household member who has the flu. Your health care provider might consider giving you a prescription to hold onto in case you get ill or have an exposure.
Posted by: Sharon | October 20, 2009 at 04:39 PM
please confirm no prisoners will receive the shot until all school children (in high risk) receive theirs and statement made by spokeperson jennifer manley (dph)regarding prisoners is not accurate ----------------------------------------
DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. The reports stating that the Department of Public Health intends to make the H1N1 vaccine available to prison inmates before it is available to members of the general public are misleading and factually inaccurate.
We will not be sending vaccines to prison settings to vaccinate the general prison population until after the vaccine has been made available to the general public and after there are public clinics around the state. However, health care workers in prison settings will be treated the same as health care workers in other clinical settings and offered the vaccine as supplies allow. At some point, small amounts of vaccine will be made available to prisons for the vaccination of those inmates at greatest risk. For example, female inmates who are pregnant may be offered the vaccine as part of the statewide effort to reduce the likelihood of serious illness among those most vulnerable. We have not yet determined the date for the distribution of such small quantities of vaccine to that limited segment of the prisoner population.
But, again, we want to emphasize that plans to vaccinate the general population of prisoners will begin only after there have been opportunities for the general public in the state to be vaccinated.
Posted by: thomascoyne | October 20, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Would someone please clarify for me whether or not I am in a high priority group to receive the H1N1 vaccine? I am the mom of a 9yr. old with asthma, a 2 year old with kidney issues, and a 4 mos. old. Last week the 2 older kids got their H1N1. But I have not been able to get one for myself. My pediatrician has stressed to me more than once that I need to have one as soon as I can get one, but my primary care office keeps telling me I am not a priority. Which is it??? Does anyone at MDPH have any suggestions as to how I could go about receiving a vaccine?
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your questions. There are five groups that have been identified by the CDC as high priority to get the H1N1 vaccine:
• pregnant women; persons who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
• health-care and emergency medical services personnel;
• persons age 6 months to 24 years
• persons age 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, searchable by your zip code.
Posted by: Lisa | October 20, 2009 at 02:43 PM
My daughter was diagnosised yest w H1N1, is it safe for her younger siblings to receive the H1N1 mist as that is all our pediatrician has?? -------------------------------------------------
DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age. You can find more information specifically on the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine on the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-laiv-h1n1.pdf
Posted by: C Boli | October 20, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Why can't I find any information on when shots will be available for H1N1 for children under 10? Given that two shots are required, it seems like we might want to vaccinate children asap.
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups, such as children, will receive vaccine as soon as possible. The single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of the H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org where you'll find a database of locations currently offering flu vaccines, searchable by your zip code. Once public H1N1 vaccination clinics are taking place they will also appear on the website.
Posted by: Bob | October 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM
My daughter (4 years old) pedatric office is out of seasonal vaccine. Every CVS and Walgreen in Massachusetts is out of seasonal vaccine. Clinic's are being cancelled the day of the clinic as they do not have supply.
Do you have an estimated date of when seasonal and H1N1 vaccine's will be available????
If they have shipped when will http://flu.masspro.org/clinic provide updated clinic information for people????????????
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your questions and we appreciate your frustration. Like all other states, we have only received a very small allotment of the total amount of H1N1 vaccine expected. The most up to date H1N1 vaccine supply information can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccinesupply.htm
They will be updating this page regularly so be sure to check back to see the latest numbers of vaccine being shipped across the country. Every effort is being made to ensure that providers who serve high-priority groups, such as children, will receive vaccine as soon as possible.
In terms of the seasonal flu vaccine, we have been informed by the manufacturers that we can expect additional shipments over the course of the next 4-6 weeks with the balance of our vaccine arriving at the end of November. This leaves plenty of time to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu since the majority of seasonal flu cases take place later in the flu season.
For both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines, the single most effective way that you can stay informed about the availability of seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine in your community is by staying in touch with your health care provider, and by visiting http://flu.masspro.org. As soon as clinics receive more vaccine, this will be reflected on the website.
Posted by: lauren schultz | October 20, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Is there any truth to the story that a large shipment of flu vaccine to Massachusetts providers was destroyed by overheating, due to an error by the shipper/driver, and that this explains why Massachusetts seems to have so much less available right now than other states?
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DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. We have not heard anything in regards to this rumor. Like all other states, we have only received a very small allotment of the total amount of H1N1 vaccine expected. There are five major vaccine manufacturers who are working day and night to produce both seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines during the same time period. This has never been done before and, as a result, there have been some interruptions in the supply chain for both vaccines. However, we are confident that the federal government will continue to do everything they can to ensure the efficient distribution of safe and effective flu vaccines as they become available.
Posted by: Steve Kenworthy | October 19, 2009 at 06:37 PM