Health Services has received word from their flu vaccine vendor that the first installment-500 doses-will arrive mid-late next week.

The following e-mail was sent a little before 4 p.m. from Libby Greaney, director of Health Services:

“Good afternoon everyone: 

We have received word from our flu vaccine vendor that our first installment ( 500 doses) will arrive mid-late next week.

 

Therefore, we will be ready to roll and offer all flu shots starting Monday October 4th  on a walk in basis from 8:00 A.M to 4:15 PM Monday – Friday until further notice.

While we are not having a dedicated flu vaccine clinic day, like in years past, we will still get you in and out in a timely manner throughout the day.  We have staffed accordingly.

The charge is the same as last year: $30.00.

Please click the following links for further information regarding retiree insurance:  http://www.wku.edu/healthservices/seasonal-flu-vaccine/

There is no co-pay applied for this service here and the flu shot is fully covered by Anthem.

We can bill other commercial insurance as in years past, but the individual policies may differ on their specific coverage for the flu shot.

Note: Currently, we do have 50 Pediatric doses (for 6 mos – 3 yrs) on-site.  We are prepared to give those out now.

We look forward to assisting you with your health care needs.

Sincerely, WKU Health Services

745-5641

If you are inclined, read below for further discussion on questions and observations for this year’s flu vaccine in the U.S.:

We do feel it prudent to wait to obtain your flu vaccine late September to early October to ensure the fullest immunity throughout the season.

Especially, given the extended warm season this year. But, this is certainly your personal decision as to when you choose to get it.

Why does Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart have their flu vaccines already? 

Great question:  big business wins by ordering millions of doses and enticing the pharmaceutical companies with large orders. We are not comfortable with the directive to get vaccines in August, but if the supply is there, people will be offered the vaccine early.  

Why do no Doctor’s offices or hospitals or even the Health Dept have the vaccines yet?

Great question:  See above. Apparently, we don’t order that large a quantity to warrant early deliveries like the drug store chains.

Our manufacturer did admit they received A LOT of complaints from Health care facilities that have not received any of their ordered doses (including us).

We called and ranted a bit more and were promised our first delivery of 500 doses next week because we placed our order early last year (Dec ‘09 actually).

Each year this process brings different challenges and nuances: ie: manufacturing issues, late deliveries, contamination issues, H1N1, shortages, etc..  Over the years we’ve sifted through pretty well and have been able to sometimes get them when others haven’t or split our order up between suppliers as a measure of protection should one have issues.

Thank You.”