The temporary shortages reach beyond the private sector, where many people getting the shots are healthy adults, to affect public-service campaigns targeting those at higher risk. Publix Super Markets began vaccination campaigns in its stores in October, then was forced to suspend them as supplies ran out. The situation in Georgia points up a peculiarity of flu vaccination. Unlike childhood immunizations, which are mandated by health authorities and paid for by legislative appropriations, influenza vaccination is largely optional, and not always free to the recipient. Companies who provide the shots do it out of public interest, or as a cost of doing business, but states must find their own solution.
Some states place one bid with manufacturers for enough vaccine to cover their population.
In a typical year, all vaccine orders arrive at roughly the same time. This is not a typical year. To ease the temporary shortages, the CDC has taken an unusual step. Influenza activity peaks in this country between January and March. If you get vaccinated in November, December, even January, you have a pretty good chance of the vaccine being effective against the flu.