Can't find a flu shot for Paul. UPDATED!

[GEM]

Paul (17 months old now) really needs a flu shot this year. As most of you know, he was born 12 weeks prematurely and was only 1lb and 7oz. He spent 83 days in the NICU and the first month of his life on a ventilator. He still has some scarring in his lungs from that. In additon, he is still very underweight - about the size of a 6 month old. Because of all this, his doctor has said he really must get a flu shot this year. (He got one last fall.)

However, his doctor now says that they won't be getting any flu vaccine this year at all. Our local health department isn't getting any either. We have called all over the state of Arkansas looking for a shot for him. Most places aren't getting any at all. We did find a few that said they would get a limited number, but they didn't know when. They wouldn't take his name for a waiting list or anything. It's just first come, first serve - so our chances of finding out in time and getting there seem slim, especially when most of them are at least an hour away. None of the hospitals, clinics, etc. around here expect to get any at all.

The only place we found that has them is the Kroger grocery store about an hour away, but they won't give him one because their insurance won't let them give one to anybody under 18.

I'm so mad and desperate at this point, I just don't know what to do. How could this happen?

I'm seriously considering cancelling our Disney trip if we can't get his flu vaccine. I just don't know what to do.

Also, if he doesn't get the flu shot, his doctor has reccomended that we not take him to any of his play groups, Kindermusik, etc. this fall and winter. That is really upsetting because those kinds of things have been so good for his development. I know he will really suffer if we have to keep him isolated and locked away another winter.

 

[mrsv98]

It may seem extreme, but have you tried going out of state? Maybe calling a children's hospital and explaining the circumstances? I would think they might be able to help. He is such a cute little guy, we want him to stay healthy!

 

[GEM]

Thanks. I've got my mom checking all around the Tulsa area, but so far no luck.

We have found a few clinics that have them, but they are giving them to their patients only, and they won't accept a referral from Paul's doctor.

 

[Lewisc]

Try www.lungusa.org I think they have one listed in Little Rock.

Call your local health department and hospitals. The supply is cut in half. I find it hard to believe no one in your state is giving out flu shots. Ask your doctor to order a dose.

 

[poohtown]

i was also going to suggest calling a hospital. Keep searching. In CT they are actually having mobile clinics at pharmacys and shopping centers. Although those have been running out too and you need proof that you are in the 'needing' catergory. Good Luck!!!

 

[CEDmom]

I'd call your doctors office back explain the situation and see if they can help. Even if they have to call around to hospitals in other states I bet they could locate one. Another idea would be to contact the hospital where he was maybe they could help you locate one. Try the state board of health also. Your insurance company might be another avenue to try. Good luck.

 

[caitycaity]

can someone at your doctor's office help you try to find one?

 

[janette]

Have you tried the Dallas area? I know there were some available, my girls got one in late September.

The news said the CDC was distributing them, maybe see if you can get some information on their site?

 

[luvwinnie]

Doesn't seem right for your dr to say he MUST have one and then not help you find one!! Good luck!!

he is adorable!

 

[jel0511]

What I don't understand is why your pediatrician's office isn't getting any vaccination in. The vaccines that were effected were only approved for people over the age of 4, those that are under 3 get a different type of vaccine, and that one is produced exclusive by Adventis. That company doesn't have any supply issues, and the patients that they serve shouldn't have any true problems. They make two type of vaccines, one for those under the age of 3 and those above 3. The vaccine that is made for those under 3, can't be used on adults, as it has a lower dose (if you will) of the antibodies than the other type. There is no shortage in that type, and I don't understand how a pediatrician can have a shortage, or not get any at all. I'd first start at your state board of health and see what they are doing to help. Second, I'd start contacting any Children's Hospitals in your area, even if it's far away. My pediatrician didn't have any shortage in vaccine and held their first shot clinic Octover 7th, with the second being October 21st. To bad you didn't live closer to NJ, otherwise I'd give you their number. I'd also call every pediatrician in your area, I'm sure most of them got vaccine in and would be willing to give one dose to someonw who so desperately needs it. As I said before, there is NO SHORTAGE in vaccines for those that are under the age of 3, becasue the manufacturer whose vaccine wasn't delivered, didn't manufacuture that type of vaccine. Keep looking, I think it's appalling and horrible that there is no vaccine to be found in your state.

 

[GEM]

Thanks so much for the suggestions.

There definately is a major shortage of the pediatric vaccine here. I've called all the pediatricians I could find.

I did check out the Lung USA website, and someone there is going to do some calling around and get back to me.

Paul pediatrician and my doctor have both told me that their clinics are not going to be getting any flu vaccine at all. I've gotten that same story from most of the other clinics I've called. The few who are expecting some are saving it for their patients, of course.

As I said, the public health departments are getting some doses, but not many. They all say they have no idea how many or when. As soon as they get them, they will start giving them out on a first come, first serve basis. So, I don't know what to do about that, unless I just sit camp out on their front steps.

I called Arkansas Children's Hospital and UAMS (where Paul spent his NICU time) as well as every other hospital in the state. None of them are doing flu shots. Some of the hospital clincis are, but you have to be already be a patient of the clinic.

 

[Deb in IA]

GEM, did you call the hospital where Paul was initially hospitalized?

They may have some in stock.

 

[piglet too]

Maybe the CDC could even help? It seems to me that your son is on the "must have" list and should be able to get one with no problem. Hope you have better luck soon!

 

[Crankyshank]

I would hope some hospital in your area would have some stock.

It just doesn't seem right that some areas are still offering clinics for the general public and people who definitely need one, can't get one

 

[Davids-Coco]

I'm sorry to hear that... I second calling the children's hospitals. Maybe even your delivery doc and explaining the circumstances since they obviously already know about his need.

I have to say that it makes me glad that Oregon is only giving out shots to those who are high risk (cancer patients, babys up to 24 months, etc.) even though it means that my cancer patient dad can get one but the rest of the family can not. I hope one that we would have used comes your way instead.

 

[GEM]

The nurse from the Arkansas Lung Associate just called back. She wasn't able to find anything, either. She said she's going to keep checking around.

 

[Disney_1derland]

Not sure where in Arkansas you are...but there don't seem to be any problems in TN (I'm in Nashville). If you qualify, you get the shot. I know Little Rock is about 6 hours from us, like i said I don't know where you guys are at, but it's a thought. He would qualify under the rules here and all of our Urgent Care clinics have them.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I hope he can get one. Babies should be among the first in line for what few shots there are.

I'm skipping geting mine this year in the hopes that it will go to someone who needs it. I hope all other adults who are healthy are doing the same.

 

[ead79]

I don't know if they have these type of places in your area, but there are little independent labs around here that do all types of testing (like DNA, drug, etc.). One near me will give you the shot for $39 even if you are not high risk. I believe the name of the company is Any Test, Inc.

 

[GEM]

Thanks. Maybe I'll check around Memphis. I would definately drive him to get one.

The problem here is that, even though he definately qualifies, nobody has any shots to give.