December 14, 2004

More than 175,000 doses of influenza vaccine have been reserved for Michigan citizens, and state officials are urging local physicians and clinics to place orders for supplies where demand exists.

Michigan physicians and clinics already have placed orders for about 85,000 doses, but the majority of Michigan’s national allocation is still available for use in the general population.

“Because of the nationwide flu vaccine shortage this season, individual physicians and clinics are the only parties that can order flu vaccine and they need to place those orders now,” said Dr. Dean Sienko, acting State Chief Medical Executive. “Michigan's remaining apportionment of 175,000 doses can only be accessed if orders are placed by physicians or clinics in need of vaccine. Any individual who wants a flu vaccine needs to step forward and inform their provider right now.”

Sienko said since the ordering process takes one to two weeks to deliver vaccine to individual providers, and at least another week for individuals to build up enough immunity to make the flu vaccine effective, orders need to be placed as soon as possible so the vaccine is effective this season.

“You can obtain the vaccine simply by calling your provider's office or your local health department and letting them know you want one,” Sienko said. “If the demand does not exist for our remaining doses of vaccine, the federal government may decide to ship vaccine to other states with significant need.”

Sienko encourages children over the age of six months, adults over the age of 50, and individuals in certain professions, such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and health care workers not involved in direct patient care – to receive influenza vaccine.

The Public Health Order limiting vaccine to high-risk individuals in Michigan was lifted on December 9. While officials say high-risk individuals should be targeted with vaccine first, vaccine can now be distributed to anyone seeking a flu shot.

Once vaccine supply is depleted in Michigan, Sienko said there are other things Michigan citizens can do to limit their exposure to the illness, such as: 

• Wash hands frequently to avoid exposure to influenza;
• Stay home from work or school if you are ill;
• Get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet to keep your immune system strong;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Michigan’s flu season has been mild thus far, with the Michigan Department of Community Health laboratory in Lansing now confirming 13 cases of influenza throughout the state.