Who decides where H1N1 vaccines go?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Viewers have been calling News 4 to find out who actually has the H1N1 vaccine, and where they can get shots.

How is it determined where shipments are sent first?

Over the past few weeks we have heard repeatedly that the five companies that make the vaccine are having production problems, and that is the reason for the shortage.

In New York State the Health Department tells News 4 that is has ordered six million doses of the vaccine, but has only received one million doses to ship across the state.

Some area doctors are getting the vaccine, many others are not. Viewers are asking, "How does this all work?"

News 4 took that question to Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Anthony Billittier.

"The CDC allocates X amount of vaccine that is available to each state, I think it's based upon the population of each state, which is in my opinion is probably the fairest way to do it. Then within a state, each state determines how they distribute the vaccine. In New York State the State Health Department is responsible for allocation of vaccine, they do it in collaboration with the county health departments. So, we do have some say, but it's very minimal say," said Dr. Billittier.