Healthwatch

There just isn't as much of the H1N1 vaccine as expected. That's what the state health department is saying as thousands of patients are trying to get vaccinated.

Weijia Jiang reports some flu clinics had to be canceled.

The seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines are hard to find.

"We're being told now that about 45 percent lower amount of vaccine will arrive into Maryland," said Fran Phillips, Md. Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene. "Every dose that's available to Maryland is being ordered promptly and being shipped out to hospitals, to health departments and physicians."

Medical officials say there's a delay producing the vaccine because the strain grows slowly.

"It's not a safety issue, it's not a distribution issue. It's just how many doses can get cranked through," Phillips said.

The top priority group remains children. Dozens of school districts in Maryland are reporting an outbreak. So far, 86 kids across the country have died from H1N1-related sickness, including two in Maryland.

Getting the vaccine is easier said than done. A mother of two shares a story that is familiar to families all across the state.

"My pediatrician ran out of appointments two months ago. I called Anne Arundel County Health Thursday and they gave me four other doctors' offices to call to get vaccines for my children under five, and they're all out," said Arlene Austin.

The Anne Arundel County executive asks that people call the county hotline for questions and any appointments that open up over the next month. Anne Arundel County's flu hotline is 410-222-7343.

"We can only provide what's provided to us. We're in constant communication with the CDC and the state, and we can provide what they give us," says County Executive John Leopold. "Obviously, we want to be concerned and we want to be on top of it."

There's a flu clinic at the Pasadena Senior Center, but other counties have been scheduling and then canceling their clinics because there isn't enough vaccine supply.

Baltimore County's health department has canceled clinics. Howard County says the schedule will change as it deals with the shortage.

"I believe there's going to be enough vaccine for priority populations. There may not be enough vaccine for 49-year-olds who are not health care workers and don't have a chronic condition," says Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County's health commissioner.

Still some families with priority wonder if there will be enough.

Lisa Webb, a mother of two, says for her it's all about not being infected with H1N1

"A friend of mine and her son have contracted it, and you never know where you're going to get it," she said.

Others, like Dick Willis, express a bit more optimism.

"I think they'll eventually catch up. I just hope the epidemic doesn't get us before they catch up," he said.

The counties expect to receive more vaccine supply each day. Checking with your local health department is the best way to find your own flu spray or shot.

Meanwhile, the nationwide shortage is prompting hospitals to change their policies. Howard County General Hospital is just one of more than a dozen hospitals in Maryland to begin restricting visitor access.

No one under the age of 16 is allowed in, unless they are the ones who are sick. If visitors are feeling sick, they are being told to stay home.

"With so many germs and stuff out here, some could say they don't have anything and still go in there with something," said Elois Alexander, hospital visitor.

"With the threat of the virus, we need to be as careful as we can," said Donna Dezayis, hospital visitor.

Law enforcement agencies are also changing rules. In Anne Arundel County, police are no longer taking a roll call to avoid grouping officers in close quarters.

At home, handwashing and proper coughing is a must.

"Proper prevention goes into play as well, and just general safety precautions," said mother Christina Weiseman.

The CDC says manufacturers are working as quickly as possible to make more vaccine. They admit demand is far exceeding the supply.

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