Flu shot clinics at Longs delayed
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
A shipping delay of hundreds of flu vaccines has stalled flu shot clinics at a major drug store chain on O'ahu, but the state Health Department assured residents that the vaccine is available at other locations around the state.
Flu-shot clinics at Longs Drug Stores on O'ahu have been postponed because of a shipping delay from the manufacturer, said Karen Luberts, the office coordinator for Castle Community Care, which has a contract with the company.
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For more flu information, visit the state Health Department's Web site at www.state.hi.us/doh or call 586-8332 or 1 (800) 933-4832 on Neighbor Islands.
Longs has 22 locations on O'ahu, and Longs officials will select stores that will participate in the flu-shot clinics, Luberts said.
It's unknown when the shipment of 700 vials will arrive from the manufacturer, whom Luberts declined to name. The vials will provide 7,000 flu shots.
The state Health Department said Hawai'i has ample flu vaccines and residents should not worry about a shortage.
Residents should visit their doctor for flu shots, and if their doctor doesn't have the vaccines, they should go to nearby clinics, said Judy Strait-Jones, the state Health Department's projects coordinator and health educator. Free flu shots are offered through many organizations.
People at high risk for complications from the flu are: 65 and older, have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, liver problems and expectant mothers who are at least three months pregnant.
November is one of the best times for shots for people 65 or older, people with a chronic health condition or health care workers, Strait-Jones said. Their household members should also get their shots in November, she said. December, January and February are also good times for people to get flu shots if they haven't gotten them earlier, she said.
