Shortages in swine flu vaccine

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Are there shots available in Erie County and if so, who has them?

Many people want to get the H1N1 vaccine but there's not enough to go around.

How many companies produce the vaccine?

Erie County Health Commissioner, Dr. Anthony Billittier said, "There are five manufacturers, as I understand it of the seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza vaccine."

Some people wonder if the vaccine shortage signals a major problem within America's health care system?

"I think this is just one symptom of a health care system that needs to be fixed," explained Dr. Billittier. "The fact, the vaccine you can't make vaccines quickly enough might suggest that our health care system, the delivery part, needs to be fixed."

Many people are wondering why Erie County isn't holding a mass public vaccination?

Dr. Billittier discusses one of the reasons why the county isn't going that route.

"If we did those in a public setting, it wouldn't happen that way. It would be first come first serve. Whoever could push their way to the front of the line," he exclaimed.

If you're like many people, you don't want to hear about the production problems when it comes to the H1N1 vaccine.

You want to know who has it and when you can get it.

Dr. Billittier also said, "The State Health Department has the allocation list. They know all the providers who have signed up to agree to give the shots. They know how much vaccine the doctors have asked for."

The state knows but patients won't unless they contact their doctor.

"We know of six deaths that are associated with H1N1 here in Erie County," Dr. Billittier added.

Which leads to the question: Could the virus come and go before enough vaccine arrives?

"It's very possible we could see H1N1 decline in our community before we see enough vaccine to satisfy the demand," he explained.

The Erie County Health Department is holding a clinic for daycare workers who take care of children six months of age or younger.

Licensed providers have already been notified and sent their lists to the county.