Flu vaccine shortage across the state

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The severe flu outbreak has many people getting the flu shot so now News 8 is hearing of spotty shortages across the state. You'll have to make a couple of calls and those who do have it only have a limited supply.

Some CVS Minute Clinics in Connecticut may still have a supply of the flu shot but the company tells News 8 right now the vaccine is not available and it is uncertain when it will be restocked.

The Department of Public Health has a vaccine map finder on its website. A quick call to a number of them though led to hits and misses. Contacting your doctor's office is recommended.

Every other call to Pediatric and Medical Associates in New Haven is about the flu shot.

More than fifty names are now on a waiting list.

"We have some for the younger kids, the infants, the highest risk group of course, under two years of age, we have that. It's the older  kids where we are having shortages," said Dr. Ron Angoff of Pediatric and Medical Associates.

Pediatrician Dr. Ron Angoff says the severe flu season was a reality check for many.

"Our usual suppliers are out. We've got another supplier but it will probably be Thursday or Friday before we get our next shipment and normally we'd get it in 24 hours when we run short," said Dr. Angoff.

Vaccine manufacturers only make a certain amount and it's difficult to predict demand.

"If they make too much they have to throw it out and that happens to us too depending on what kind of vaccine. If we order too much and we don't use it, we get stuck because we have to pay for it," said Dr. Angoff.

What can you do if you can't get the flu shot?

"The most important thing is to take good care of yourself. Keep away from sick people and hopefully with kids in school, that's why it's important for kids who have fevers and coughs to stay out of schools, good handwashing, including the alcohol gel like Purell really marketdly cut down on the spread," said Dr. Angoff.