Delay of flu shots in Mid-Missouri

Just before flu season hits, there’s a delay in the vaccines in Mid-Missouri.

Trina Teacutter, Nursing Supervisor at the Columbia Boone County Health Department said it’s a delay that’s actually hitting all across the country.

“Everyone’s experiencing a delay because of a manufacturing problem and in some places it’s hard to find a vaccine,” Teacutter said.

There isn’t a shortage yet, but officials in both Boone and Cole County said they don’t have as much as they normally would — or would like — to have at this point.

They are expecting another shipment in November and should have plenty then. But right now, health departments around the country are short the quadrivalent shot, which is the one that protects against four strains of influenza.

You can still get the trivalent, which protects against three strains, or the nasal mist.

“We’re asking parents of kids ages 3-18 to receive the mist if they don’t have a counterindication or underlying medical condition instead of the injectable,” Teacutter said.

And even though they don’t have many vaccines available at the moment, health officials don’t seem worried.

“Most flu seasons peak in January/February so if you have to wait til November/December to get it it’s not too late,” Teacutter said.

As soon as they are available, health officials are urging everyone to get a flu vaccine.