People everywhere are asking the same question -- how can we get vaccinated?
While there have been shortages of both the seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines, it looks like the situation may be improving for some in the Philly area. Many local health departments have enough seasonal flu vaccines for priority groups, according to the Inquirer and swine flu vaccines are becoming more available -- very slowly.
Bucks County has received 35,000 injectable and 14,000 nasal H1N1 vaccines from the state in the past week and they are planning mass-immunization of school-aged kids -- a trend that we hope will continue in other counties soon.
However, the situation isn't looking up everywhere. Since it is taking so long for states to receive vaccinations, some priority elementary-aged children -- those with asthma, epilepsy, diseases of the lungs and kidneys and other conditions -- in Delaware haven't been vaccinated yet.
They can't get the nasal immunizations because of their health conditions but they haven't been able to get injections either because they aren't available at elementary schools. Older children without preexisting conditions are being immunized first.
In Pennsylvania, schools aren't confronting the same problems because they have been offering both nasal and injectable vaccines at elementary schools, according to the News Journal article.
Either way, use the helpful links below to find out information about clinics in your area, the availability of the vaccine and to answer any flu-related questions you may have.
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For more information about clinics, vaccinations and other flu concerns, head to:
Flu.gov -- an overview of the flu, high risk groups and vaccines -- they also provide a helpful search engine.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health -- a list of swine flu and regular flu clinics.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health -- more information about the flu.
PhillyHealthInfo.org -- a comprehensive list of clinics in each county -- Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services -- vaccines and clinics. The information from each county may be more accurate -- Burlington, Camden and Gloucester.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services -- information regarding the whole state.
