County gets a shot in the arm

BUREAU COUNTY -- Flu vaccine continues to flow into Bureau County, despite a shortage earlier this fall that sent people scurrying to find a provider. The Bureau County Health Department has announced another four flu clinics set for next week; this time, clinics will be held for both adults and children. The announcement follows on the heels of word, two weeks ago, from Craig Beintema, director of the Bureau County Health Department, who said the county health department was scheduled to receive another shipment of flu vaccines. At that time, Beintema said the clinics are for those who are at a high risk to get the flu. Yesterday's (Monday) announcement should come as welcome news for those who have not been able to get the shots because they do not fit the high risk description. A spokesman at the health department said while these clinics are still considered restricted, and no one will be turned away. Everyone should be able to get a shot. Pat Lebahn of the health department said the vaccine will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and additional clinics will be scheduled. A proof of Bureau County residency, like a voter's registration or driver's license, will be required at the clinics. Medicare benefits will cover the cost of the immunization for those people presenting proof of enrollment in Medicare Part B. There is a $15 fee for those not qualifying for Medicare. Pneumonia vaccine will not be available at these clinics. The United States faced a flu vaccine shortage this year as the result of a license suspension for the company that produces the vaccine. On Oct. 5, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention was notified by the Chiron Corporation that none of its influenza vaccine, produced in Liverpool, England, would be available for distribution in the United States for the 2004-05 flu season. On Oct. 26, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced his administration had placed an order to buy an additional 200,000 doses of the Aventis flu vaccine from wholesalers in Europe. The governor also ordered up to 87,000 doses from a British wholesaler and asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for quick approval to get the flu vaccine to Illinois. On Nov. 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced plans to distribute the remaining 10.3 million doses of Aventis Pasteur influenza vaccine to state health departments, which will then help ensure the doses reach those people at highest risk for complications from influenza. Under the plan, states will receive 100 percent of any orders they had originally placed under federal, state, and multi-state contracts.