Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage Spreads In DC Area

CALVERTON, Md. (WUSA) -- The CVS store in Calverton, Maryland ran out of seasonal flu vaccine about an hour before Keri Tiadori and her five kids walked in the door Friday morning.

"Yea it's frustrating," Tiadori said. "I called my pediatrician, and they don't have it either."

While the H1N1 flu has been grabbing headlines, a shortage of the more familiar "seasonal" flu vaccine has developed.

Nationwide, CVS has announced it will cut short its seasonal flu vaccination clinics to October 22 because of higher than expected demand and difficulties securing supplies.

Meanwhile, the Laurel Regional Hospital is among the health care providers that have run out of seasonal flu vaccine, according to Prince George's County health officials.

"The manufacturers basically have had to shift gears because of the H1N1," said Dr. Ulder Tillman, Chief Health Officer in Montgomery County. The county has been forced to cancel some of its seasonal flu shot clinics.

However, in addition to H1N1, the common "seasonal" flu is an annual threat that should be protected against, according to many infectious disease experts. Seniors, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk. Thirty six thousand people per year die of the seasonal flu in the U.S. and anywhere from 5% to 20% of the population is affected in most years.

Even so, Tillman says despite the importance of seasonal flu shots, H1N1 remains the most immediate threat. "Ninety nine percent of the flu activity right now in the U.S. and widespread in Maryland is H1N1. That's where the emphasis is right now," she said.