Oklahomans Wait Hours for Flu Vaccine

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A vaccine shortage has forced Oklahomans to stand in long lines hoping they will be among the lucky ones to get vaccinated.

In Midwest City, the lines formed long before the doors opened at 8am. Even rainy weather and an almost two hour wait didn't keep people away.

"I think there's a lot more here than last year," said Kathy Walling, who stood in line for a flu shot.

Brooke Wynn is getting her first flu shot. She and her co-workers lined up in Midwest City at the suggestion of their boss.

"There are a lot of people who are first time to get a flu shot because they are concerned about not only the seasonal flu but the H1N1," said H.R. Holman, Oklahoma City County Health Department.

Getting the H1N1 flu virus is a concern that has likely led to an increase in public awareness about the flu and the vaccines available to fight it. And as a result, there has been some shortage.

The shortage is being blamed on the need for the H1N1 vaccine. The companies making the seasonal flu vaccine stopped production to make the H1N1 vaccine.

"As of yesterday, 9.8 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine were available to be ordered. I'm happy to say about half the vaccine that's available for order is now the injection form," Dr. Anne Schuchat, Centers for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, those lining up for the seasonal flu shot said the wait is worth it.

The flu shots given out by the county health department are free. Flu vaccines at a doctor's office cost around $25.

The Oklahoma City County Health Department is planning another flu clinic on Monday at Metro Tech beginning at 8 a.m.

As for when the shortage will end, the State Health Department can't say, but said shipments will increase in number over the next several weeks.

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