Demand gobbling up supply of H1N1 vaccine at metro clinics

Click here for more take KARE of your HEALTH

The voice on the other end of the line is calm and matter-of-fact, but the message when calling the Park Nicollet flu line is exciting to many parents. "A limited amount of H1N1 vaccine is now available," the man says.

"We got about 17,000 doses total and yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) we probably gave close to 1,300 doses each of those days," Park Nicollet VP of Primary Care Joan Sandstrom said. The doses were given out at clinics in St. Louis Park, Burnsville, and Brooklyn Center.

"It's been very, very busy all day," she was quick to add on Sunday. "The nasal spray is live; has a small amount of live vaccine in it and the injectable doesn't, it is a protein derivative," Sandstrom explained.

Brian and Karissa Hogan of St. Louis Park brought their kids in for the nasal vaccine. 4-year-old Chase is now in school, and Brain worries he could pick up the H1N1 virus, then pass it on to his 2-year-old brother Brennan or his 7 week old brother Sullivan. Sullivan was too young for the vaccine, Brennan and Chase received the dose through their nostrils.

"I feel like now we can feel a little bit safer roaming out and about," Karissa Hogan said.

Park Nicollet began advertising their vaccine availability early in the week, and within one day, the weekend appointments were booked up. The clinics are running extended hours until they run out.

Parents and hospital administrators are hoping more vaccine is made available soon. "From what we're seeing right now, we're thinking that this will peak in mid-November, so we're just kind of in the upward climb of it now," Sandstrom warned.

Currently only people in "Priority Group 1" are eligible. "Right now it's the first responders and health care workers, pregnant women and children six months to 18 years of age," Sandstrom said.

Update: Due to very high demand, the clinic is no longer staffing the flu appointment phone line and instead asking patients to request an appointment via email at flushot@parknicollet.com

Check out our KARE family of Web sites:
	takeKARE		Metromix
	Moms Like Me		Minnesota Bound
	Showcase Minnesota