GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With flu season approaching — during a pandemic — doctors say the vaccine is more important than ever before.
“It’s important they get vaccinated so we kind of have a sense that it’s not likely to be flu, it’s more likely to be COVID and we can treat it,” said chief medical officer James Heise with Door County Medical Center.
But, flu shots could be harder to find.
“I think what you’re seeing in Wisconsin and across the country is there will be ample supply of flu vaccine but we are seeing some delay in delivery,” said DHS Secretary Andrea Palm
The delays are forcing counties to adjust. Brown County’s drive-thru clinic and will only have flu shots for kids — six months to 18 years old.
Heise tells FOX 11 Door County Medical Center canceled its clinic completely.
“We’re all in the same boat we’re expecting to get more in the next few weeks we just don’t know exactly when.”
One possibility for the delay? Overseas vaccines waiting for U.S. approval.
“Wherever they come from they have to clear the FDA,” said Heise, “once they get to our shores and my understanding is there’s millions of vaccinations waiting for that clearance.”
Doctors say they’re not worried about a flu shot shortage.
Palm encourages people to get one — whenever they can.
“Continue to actively seek out the flu shots and keep our numbers going in the same direction with more and more people getting vaccinated.”
“Obviously we’ve been encouraging people to get the flu shot now that they can’t get it, it’s frustrating for all of us,” said Heise, “but I expect that’ll be solved hopefully in the next few weeks.”
Wisconsin Health Services says 275,000 more people have already gotten the flu vaccine — compared to this same time last year.
