FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2009
CONTACT: Perrin Damon, 503-931-4300

Today the Centers for Disease Control announced that H1N1 vaccine yield is lower than earlier anticipated.

According to the CDC, nationwide 40 million doses had been estimated by the end of October but only about 28 to 30 million doses will be available during that time frame. To date, Oregon has received approximately 80,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine and more is scheduled to arrive next week.

At a news conference today at the state public health department’s H1N1 center, Mel Kohn, MD, director of the Oregon Public Health Division discussed the state’s response to the delay. He was joined by Kathleen O’Leary, RN, Washington County Public Health Administrator and Gary Oxman, MD, health officer for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. 

Dr. Kohn said that in spite of the delay in manufacturing more H1N1 vaccine is on the way to Oregon, some vaccine clinics are opening next week around the state and more will be opening throughout October and November.

 "This kind of delay commonly occurs during flu vaccine production. It’s just the biology of the virus," said Dr. Kohn. "No corners are being cut when it comes to the safety of manufacturing this vaccine. It’s meeting the same high standards as the seasonal flu vaccine."

"The H1N1 vaccine is coming, but not as quickly as we would like," added Dr. Kohn. "We know that demand for the vaccine is very high and we are asking people to be patient until it comes to their community and to keep checking back with the Web site or hotline for more information. Although we wish we had more vaccine to give now, there will still be value in vaccinating people in the coming months." 

The state sponsors a Web site at www.flu.oregon.gov that posts public flu clinics as well as a statewide hotline at 800-978-3040 – both have the most recent information so that people can stay informed about open flu clinics. 

"People are disappointed that there isn’t more vaccine available – we are too," said Ms. O’Leary. "Every county health department has a team working to make sure it is getting out to providers, hospitals, and clinics. Once received, we’re moving it out quickly." 

Until the vaccine arrives in adequate quantity, officials say that the other prevention measures become even more important.

"If you’re even thinking about going to work or to school if you’re sick, don’t," said Dr. Oxman. "We all have to take responsibility for ourselves, our families and our communities and stop the spread of H1N1 flu." 

Dr. Oxman also reminded people to wash their hands, use hand sanitizer whenever possible, and to cover their coughs and sneezes.

For more information, call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline at 1-800-978-3040 or visit www.flu.oregon.gov