Supply is High, Demand is Low - For Now

The language of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine rules changing is now making the shot more widely available. Health officials in Travis County say the demand is lower than expected, making the vaccine more plentiful across the area.

Last week, the health department said that instead of holding the vaccine for only the at-risk group - those who are pregnant, who are in contact with children 6 months of age or younger, parents with children less than 6 months old, people from 6 months to 24 years old, people 25-64 years old with chronic health problems, and health care professionals - now anyone who wishes to get vaccinated can do so.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, a health department spokesperson said that health officials made the determination it was time to expand the vaccine offering beyond the high risk group. Health officials, according to the Statesman, said the holiday season in conjunction with a high travel period for many people in the Austin area, is a time when "germ sharing" would be greater.

The Centers for Disease Control cited October as the peak of H1N1. Supplies are more plentiful now, but another surge could spike over the holidays, according to the Statesman article. "Get them while they last" seems to be the logic right now while supplies are up and demand is low."We don't want people to become complacent," said Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for the Department of State Health Services. "We are heading into the holiday season, and we're expecting to see another wave (of illness). Flu is unpredictable."

As we reported last week, Texas was allocated nearly 6 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine, which is given at no charge. Clinics who administer the vaccine may charge a fee for giving the injection or nasal spray, but that fee comes at a minimal cost. However, Austin/Travis County will not be charging, according to the Statesman.

Despite the previous target for the at-risk population, health officials in Hays and Williamson Counties are still following the state's guidelines to reach out to those people first. But, according to the Statesman, they will not turn anyone away.

If you would like to be vaccinated:

According to the Statesman, if you would like to receive your vaccination in Austin/Travis County, an appointment is necessary. Call 972-5520.

Three clinics are set up on December 11 (Burger Center), December 15 (Delco Center) and December 17 (Burger Center). The times are 1 to 6 p.m.

Go to: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/health or call 311 for more information.