Sisters residents scramble for flu shots

Sisters residents who are scrambling to get a flu shot have found themselves out of luck in the past week.

The supply of vaccine has run out and is not likely be renewed any time in the near future, according to Dr. May Fan of Bend Memorial Clinic's Sisters office.

The situation arose out of an abundant oversupply last year.

"There was so much that went to waste last year that we ordered less for this year," said Dr. Fan.

Doctors had no way of predicting the doozy of a flu season that has hit this year.

"We have ordered 500 more doses, and it may or may not be able to be manufactured in time," Dr. Fan said.

It can take several months to produce the vaccine. There is a possibility that a new nasal vaccine may be available soon. Tim Muir, pharmacist at Sisters Drug Company is waiting on it.

"We don't really have any current information on its availability," he said. "It is new this year and we have ordered it."

Muir encouraged customers who may want to try the nasal mist vaccine to keep checking with Sisters Drug Co. He added that it is not really unusual to run out of vaccine at this stage of the season. Both Muir and Dr. Fan encouraged vaccinations early in the season, ideally around October or November.

Meanwhile, people should continue preventive measures of good hygiene, rest, and staying out of public places when possible. Dr. Fan said that her clinic has seen patients with a virus that mimics influenza, but is not.

She reiterated that those who are at risk with underlying diseases, the elderly, the very young, or anyone experiencing shortness of breath must go see their doctor if they experience any flu-like symptoms.

Those symptoms are high fever (over 101 degrees), body and joint aches, fatigue and cough.