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3rd Trimester
cubuff98
member
Swine flu vaccine availability
cubuff98
member
So now that I have decided to actually get the vaccine, I can't find it ANYwhere in my area. The county is holding a public clinic tomorrow for people without insurance only. How stupid is that--I thought the shot is free for everybody and was supposed to be given to high risk people first like those who are pregnant. There have been several people out sick at my work this week with it and I am so worried I'm going to get it too. Grr!
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Re: Swine flu vaccine availability
That's frustrating!! I got the vaccine today.. I was also skeptical about getting it at first but since I teach junior high students I figure I should be safe and get vaccinated!!!
Good luck!!
You sohuld ask your OB mine was handing out information about it last week.
Also maybe check with your employer, I remember my office had the regular flu vaccine available to all employees.
Our county health departments here JUST started getting it last week. Some are only offering it to health care workers.
Our first clinic is tomorrow and DH and I are planning on taking DD. Its only available to those in the high risk groups, but we should all be able to get it because DD is 2 and DH and I will have a newborn at home soon.
Annelise 3.22.2007 Norah 10.24.2009 Amelia 8.7.2011
Umm, I wouldn't get too upset.
I live in a major metropolitan area (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX) as so far the counties in this area have only received 200-300 doses. They are vaccinating first responders/health care workers first.
Nobody knows when the vaccine will be available to us normal people. My OB's office is on the list, but who knows when they will actually receive it. I haven't even had the regular flu shot due to shortages.
Just be glad some people in your area are being vaccinated, even if it isn't you.
I've never heard of the shot being free, perhaps covered by your insurance. Otherwise, I would tend to think it's the people without insurance that typically wouldn't get it. I still get what you mean about focusing on the high risk people first.
My OB gave me a letter to verify that I'm pregnant (cause you wouldn't notice the belly) so that if I had to go elsewhere I could still get it if they were holding out for 'high risk' patients first. Still didn't matter since I never got it and expect no one is now.
In NY State the regulation is that the actual vaccine is free (the DOH is providing it free of charge to MD's along with the needles and supplies), but either you or your insurance can be charged for the administration. The cost to self pay patients is limited to the regional medicare fee, which is good to avoid overcharging on the administration.
Where I live ONLY the health departments and hospitals have it (and the hospitals are only giving it to high exposure workers). I got mine today after waiting 1.5+ hours...at the minor league baseball stadium. It was free to everyone eligable (which is not everyone...spouses of pregnant ladies don't qualify TILL the baby is born, healthy adults don't qualify, etc)
If doctors in your area don't have it I'd go to the health department and try to get it even though you have insurance since you're in a high priority group.
I normally just lurk on this board, but wanted to recommend calling your OB office to see when/if they will be getting the vax. I know my primary Dr. doesn't have it yet and has no idea when they are getting it, and a call to the county health department was worthless.
I had an appt. yesterday and my OB has the vax in-house. I have a dose set aside for me for next Thursday because I am currently on an antibiotic and can't get the vax until I am no longer sick.
Depending on where you live - your OB might be your best bet.