Flu Fears

October 14 - Last year 83 million Americans were able to get flu shots. This year only 54 million shots are available. With flu season fast approaching, some people are beginning to worry. The severity of a flu season is hard to predict, but some fear it could be bad this year because fewer people will be vaccinated.

The Sedgwick County Health Department says they’re out of the flu vaccine until the end of October. They're hoping to have more shots by the first of November, but there are no guarantees.

The shortage is leaving local doctors scrambling to come up with a flu plan for Sedgwick County. On Thursday health officials met to decide new guidelines on who is considered in critical need of the vaccine, how many shots are available in Sedgwick County and how they should be distributed. The health department plans to announce their plan on Friday.

If you want a flu shot but are unable to get one, there is an alternative. Some doctors are offering a vaccine called Flu Mist. It comes in the form of a nasal spray. Flu Mist uses a live vaccine, so those who take it are protected through the 2004-2005 season.

The Flu Mist vaccine does have its setbacks. It costs three times more than a regular flu shot, and Medicaid, Medicare and some insurance companies do not cover the cost. Also, its use is not recommended for infants or the elderly, people who need it the most.