Supplies of H1N1 vaccine are arriving in Kentucky, but there won't be enough to start large-scale immunizations until November, state health officials said Thursday.
Officials said Kentucky has been allocated 72,200 doses of H1N1 vaccine, including 25,500 doses of injectable vaccine. Only about 11,000 doses — all nasal spray — have arrived in Kentucky, they said.
Health-care workers have first priority for the initial H1N1 vaccine supplies.
Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, the state epidemiologist, said county and district health departments that have not received H1N1 vaccine by now probably won't get supplies until Tuesday, partly because of the federal Columbus Day holiday Monday. Timing for individual health departments also can depend on routes trucks follow in making vaccine deliveries.
Some areas are still experiencing shortages of seasonal flu vaccine, health authorities said, mainly because initial vaccine shipments have been relatively small and demand has been the highest anyone has seen this early in the season.
But health officials said there will be plenty of both vaccines to go around as supplies continue to arrive in coming weeks. Seasonal flu typically doesn't start to peak until around the holidays.
Officials said a new flu hot line that the state launched Monday has received more than 1,000 calls with questions about the flu vaccines.
The toll-free number is 1-877-843-7727. The line operates 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Comments