By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
The Dakota County Department of Health in Nebraska, as well as the Hyvee on Hamilton Boulevard said they've been turning people away because they've run out of the flu vaccine.
"It does make you feel bad..." said Pam DeVries, director at Dakota County Department Health.
Every year, DeVries charged with ordering the flu vaccine before flu season hits. He typically requests between 200 and 300 shots. But it's extremely hard to predict how many will be needed.
"There's been years we haven't used all our stock. Last year we wasted one hundred doses of private stock. This year, we ran out."
There are a number of factors contributing to the nationwide shortage. For one, the vaccine is available at more places, so the supply is spread out.
"It's quite a bit busier," said Michelle Borgmann, pharmacist at Hy-Vee on Hamilton Blvd., in Sioux City.
Borgmann says for the past week, they've been ordering 20 to 25 flu shots a day; and still running out within in a few hours.
"We get it in the morning and by the end of the day it's gone," said Borgmann.
Back in Dakota County, DeVries says government red tape is also a problem. State Health Departments are now required to have two separate stocks of the flu vaccine. One, for people with insurance, and one for those without. And one can't borrow from the other.
"So I'm referring them to their physicians, and some of those are out. And that's where the difficulty is coming in. And that's why people are going around and looking at Hyvee, Walmart and Walgreens," said DeVries.
Now, with just about five more weeks left of this flu season, there are some important tips to remember when trying to stay healthy or keep others from getting sick.
1. Eat healthy. Make sure you to get plenty of fruits and vegetables.
2. If you are sick, or starting to get sick, cover your mouth when you cough, to avoid spreading germs.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
4. If you do get the flu, doctors recommend staying home a full 24 hours before returning to school or work.
5. Wash your hands as much as possible.
