Contrary to earlier fears, and some erroneous media reports, the CDC insists there is no impending shortage. In addition, vaccinating 1 million elderly individuals against influenza can prevent some 900 deaths and 1,300 hospitalizations a year, Fukada said. There have been other glitches in this year's flu vaccine season as well. Washington physician Raymond Scalettar said he is angry that his sickest patients have to wait. This is another reason to prioritize doses of the vaccine now that they are becoming available, health authorities said.
Doctors say a flu shot can take up to two weeks after vaccination to become fully effective.
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