Shots aren’t for everyone, but the manufacturer of a nasal spray version of the vaccine experienced a technical issue early in the season that caused shipping delays.
At Forest Park Peds in St. Louis, office manager Gail McCarthy says the clinic has been receiving just a percentage of the FluMist vaccines they’d originally ordered.
“So far, we’ve gotten 160 doses total, of the thousand we’ve ordered. That’s all we’ve gotten in so far,” McCarthy said. “It seems like I’m getting really short, and then poof, it shows up and gets delivered.
When they start to run low, McCarthy says they’ve asked parents to consider letting their kids get the shot instead. And so far, they haven’t had to turn anyone away.
On the other hand, St. Louis County is holding two free flu clinics on Saturday using FluMist, instead of shots. The Health Department received 800 doses of the vaccine through a state grant, in an effort to reach out to school age children who might be a little wary of needles, said Deputy Health Director Sarah Patrick. Plus, it’s a particularly important age group to reach.
“Since kids are able to spread not only to each other but to their teachers and family members, we want to make sure we can help those kids be protected especially as we move into the holiday part of the season,” Patrick said.
FluMist is not recommended for children who have asthma and are over the age of 5, so Patrick said shot-based vaccines will also be available.
Free Flu Vaccines Available This Weekend:
St. Louis County FluMist Clinic
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Public Health Campus Building
6121 North Hanley Road
Berkeley, Mo. 63134
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
South County Health Center
4850 South Lindbergh Boulevard
Sunset Hills, Mo. 63127
Barnes Jewish Free Flu Shot Campaign
(more dates available here)
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beyond Housing – St. Vincent’s Community Center
7335 St. Charles Rock Rd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63121
Sunday, Oct. 25
Christ the King United Church of Christ
11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63033
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