Lubbock Health Department Warns Flu Shots May Be In Short Supply - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Lubbock Health Department Warns Flu Shots May Be In Short Supply

The flu vaccine supply in Lubbock may be in jeopardy after all.

Tuesday, officials learned that the U.S. is losing half the supply needed for the upcoming season. The problem - British Health authorities suspended the license of vaccine manufacturer Chiron Tuesday after learning some of its vaccines were tainted.

The City of Lubbock Health Department did not order vaccines from Chiron but has ordered 3,000 doses from Aventis-Pasteur. So far, the Health Department has only received a portion of those and is still waiting for the remaining 2200 or so vaccines. Late Tuesday afternoon, Public Health Coordinator Beckie Brawley learned the rest of that order has been put on hold.

In the meantime, flu vaccines are only being offered to high risk children and adults. 150 adult vaccines are available right now with a limited supply of children's doses. For information about the flu shot, you can call the health department at 775-2933.