Rochester, N.Y. - The Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinating high risk patients first, but a big question is whether or not health care workers can make it happen.
People at Flaherty Family Practice were able to get the seasonal flu vaccine through Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. -- the Flaherty practice had a surplus and decided to hold a public clinic into the evening.
Dr. Daniel Flaherty is working to vaccinate as many of his patients as he can for both illnesses. He did receive pediatric doses of the H1N1 vaccine designed for children between six months and three years old.
That age-group is listed in the high-risk category, along with pregnant women, teens, young adults, and those with chronic illnesses such as asthma.
Dr. Flaherty expects to receive more doses of H1N1 soon and plans to triage the vaccine, making sure his high-risk patients get it first. “Certain patients we know who will be candidates…we'll be calling; others we've even seen in the office,” Flaherty said. “We're expecting the H1N1 vaccine, just call the office. We're getting calls and triaging.”
In public clinics it's not as easy to triage patients, because the way it usually works is--first come, first served.
Health officials advise people to stay in touch with their doctors if they're in the high risk category, so they’ll know when H1N1 vaccine is available.
If you have questions about the flu, 13 WHAM News will answer them during a live call-in Wednesday when health professionals will be in our newsroom to take your calls during 13 WHAM News at 5 and 6.
