H1N1 Vaccination On Standby For Several School Districts
The delay of H1N1 flu vaccines has forced several school districts throughout the Chicago-land area to reschedule immunizations; which should have began as early as this week for small children.
The lack of the vaccine, and uncertainty as to when it will arrive, has physicians and lawmakers extremely worried. Many believe that the sufficient amount of supplies needed, will not be available in time to prevent the widespread of swine flu throughout the state in addition to the rest of the country.
Similar to the rest of the country, millions of Illinois residents are un-prepared for a swine flu pandemic. Due to the medications high demand, some districts have completely closed down voluntary health clinics after sending consent forms home with students. Other districts such as Evanston-Skokie School District 65 postponed their voluntary vaccine clinic that was suppose to have begin Thursday.
On a more positive note, some districts have recruited hundreds of nurses and doctors (who willing volunteered) to administer the vaccine once it is available for distribution.
www.chicagotribune.com-"In order to have an impact we want to vaccinate as many students and staff as possible," stated Patricia Markham, spokeswoman for Evanston-Skokie School District 65. "Trying to set dates without knowing when the vaccine will arrive is a great challenge."
According to the Chicagotribune.com, Federal health officials expected more than 40 million doses to be shipped out across the country by mid-October. But on Wednesday, they said only about 28 million doses would be available by the beginning of November. Officials are now saying the vaccine should be widely available by mid-November.
Vaccination plans on hold for many Chicago area school districts
By: Christopher M. Barnes |
Release Date: October 27, 2009 |
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