As flu season arrives in North Carolina, with two cases already found, there is an ample local supply of vaccine but few takers so far, health officials and pharmacists said yesterday.
The vaccine became available at health-care agencies and systems, physician offices and pharmacies in mid-August.
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This year's vaccine includes H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, as one of the three strains. And unlike last year, when initial H1N1 doses were focused on certain groups, this year's vaccine is available to everyone at the start of the season.
The cost of the vaccine is expected to range from $25 to $30 at most sites, with insurance reimbursement possible in many instances.
The typical flu season lasts from September though April, although the H1N1 virus proved resilient to hot weather and was present throughout 2009 and the first half of 2010.
"There's not been much interest so far, but we're ready," said Keith Vance, the owner of Lewisville Drug Co. "Most people think about getting their flu shot in late September or early October, so it may be as much a creature-of-habit mind-set as anything."
Most people will require one dose, although children under age 9 who haven't been vaccinated previously against the flu will need two doses. Federal and state health officials recommend the vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months.
Officials caution that H1N1 remains a dangerous strain, particularly for people ages 25 to 64 with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, anemia, other blood disorders, or heart, lung, kidney or liver disease.
Of the 107 flu-related deaths in the state between April 2009 and May 2010, 83 were in that age range, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health. About 80 percent of the H1N1-related deaths were in people with underlying health conditions.
Officials encourage getting the vaccine early even though there are concerns that it could lose some of its potency before the end of the flu season.
"Our experience with H1N1 made it clear that getting people immunized early can have a tremendous impact on public health," said Jeff Engel, the state's health director.
There are some free options for people who lack money and insurance:
• The Forsyth County Health Department has an initial allotment of 7,000 shots.
• CVS Caremark Corp. said it will provide up to $5 million in doses to people without insurance.
• Walgreen Co. said it will provide vouchers for up to $1 million for free shots.
Dave Marley, the president and chief executive of Marley Drug in Winston-Salem, said that the pharmacy is charging $25 a dose and providing between five and 10 doses a day.
"Many traditional prescription-drug plans are covering the shots this year, and there is no co-pay with Medicare," Marley said. He said that some HMOs are not covering the shots if they are given at a pharmacy.
Dr. Tim Monroe, the county health director, said that currently there are no plans this year for a large vaccination clinic similar to last year's.
Many of the Novant Medical Group practices are offering doses, spokeswoman Freda Springs said.
And Lisa Davanzo, a spokeswoman for Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, said that doses are available.
rcraver@wsjournal.com
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