WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsArea residents frustrated with availability of H1N1 vaccine

Area residents frustrated with availability of H1N1 vaccine

Menomonie (WQOW) - Health officials say the H1N1 virus is now widespread in Barron County.  But what about the H1N1 vaccine?  

H1N1 vaccine clinics at the Red Cedar Medical Center in Menomonie are full, no walk-ins will be accepted during clinics scheduled Wednesday and Friday. The center says by the end of the week they will have administered all of the 2,000 doses of the vaccine they have. Clinics have filled up in record time and that has left many people who aren't able to get the vaccine frustrated.

"And we feel that frustration here too because we know the public wants it. We want to get it out to them and we just don't have it," says Heidi Guy, supervisor of outpatient services for the Red Cedar Medical Center.

The Red Cedar Medical Center says no further H1N1 vaccine clinics will be scheduled until additional supplies are received. The center says they have been in contact with manufacturers to obtain more vaccines but are unsure of when they will arrive.  

Health officials say the H1N1 virus is now widespread in Barron County. They say both the seasonal flu and H1N1 are circulating. Flu activity is listed as "high" Tuesday, compared to "low" last week.  

In Wisconsin, 99 percent of flu cases have been confirmed as H1N1. Health officials say if you're sick, stay home from work or school until 24-hours after your fever subsides. Hospitals and nursing homes also ask residents not to visit patients if you're not feeling well.