The student health clinic at ETSU has called off the flu vaccine clinic scheduled for today due to a severe shortage of the flu vaccine.
Elizabeth Virost, nurse practitioner at the ETSU health clinic, said that all doses scheduled to be delivered for the clinic have been frozen. Meningitis vaccinations will still be available today
The freeze on the influenza vaccine is due to the three-month suspension of the license for the British Chiron Corporation, the Center for Disease Control and Preventions reported in an Oct. 5 dispatch.
“None of its (Chiron Corporation) influenza vaccines would be available for distribution in the United States for the 2004-05 influenza season,” the CDC report said.
Jennie Walls, associate professor in the family and community nursing department said there are ways people can protect themselves against the influenza virus.
“Washing hands is a must,” she said.
After using the restroom, people should wash their hands and use a paper towel to turn off the faucets and open the door.
Those who can’t wash their hands immediately should keep them away from their face. Also people should wash their hands before eating or drinking, and not eat or drink after someone who is sick.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Chiron was scheduled to produce 46-48 million dosed for the United States. The HHS had planned to distribute 100 million doses for this season.
Last year ETSU’s health clinic administered 661 flu vaccinations. Now with the shipment stopped, Virost said the vaccinations are being given to people with health risk classifications including those with asthma or a chronic illness, those who are 65 and older and pregnant women.
The meningitis clinic will be today in the D.P. Culp Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the third floor Ballroom. The cost will be $90.

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