(Santa Ana) - Unexpected delays in the delivery of influenza vaccine will cause the County of Orange Health Care Agency to cancel a number of community vaccination clinics beginning November 9.

Most community clinics supplied through the Immunization Program that were scheduled for Thursday, November 9 or later have been cancelled. A new schedule of influenza vaccination clinics will be announced when vaccine becomes available. HCA clinics in Santa Ana, Buena Park, Costa Mesa and San Juan Capistrano will continue to offer influenza vaccinations according to their regular schedule this week, but may be affected beginning the week of November 13. The Health Care Agency (HCA) has only received one-third of its 100,000 doses of influenza vaccine. Publicity related to flu vaccine production and delivery problems may have played a role in increasing demand at the county's vaccination clinics, quickly using up the initial supply. For current information about flu vaccination clinic schedules, individuals may call the HCA Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448 or check with the clinic site regarding their status.

"As soon as additional vaccine becomes available, we will immediately resume vaccination of high-risk individuals," said Dr. Gerald Wagner of the HCA Immunization Program. "There have not been any reports of significant numbers of influenza cases in our region as of this time, which is very fortunate considering the national problems in flu vaccine production. Once vaccine arrives, we will continue to offer clinics through the month of December, providing protection for as many individuals as possible," said Dr. Wagner.

Because of vaccine production delays, immunizations have been limited to individuals 60 years of age and older and those of any age who are considered at high-risk of influenza related complications. Since the vaccine takes approximately two weeks to develop its maximum protection, individuals at high risk because of age or medical condition should limit their potential exposure to individuals who have symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever. This may also include avoiding activities or places where large groups of people are together indoors, such as shopping centers and other meeting places. Adequate supplies of vaccine are expected to be available later this month to provide individuals with protection for the typical peak influenza season of late December through January.

The following flu shot information page details the community influenza clinics that have been cancelled due to delays in the delivery of influenza vaccine. A new schedule of influenza vaccination sites will be announced when an adequate supply of vaccine becomes available.

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