In a stunning turn of events that made a bad situation seem even worse, UB students looking to receive free flu shots discovered that the proverbial wells had run dry.
High demand for the flu shot across the country – coupled with the university's small supply – led to the shortage, according to Susan Snyder, director of Health Services.
'Health Services traditionally gives just over 3,000 flu shots, which are pre-booked in January of the previous year,' said Snyder. 'This year we had reserved 4,000 shots, but have received 2,500. Due to an overbooking of dosages from across the country, only 115 of 150 million have become available.'
When Heath Services realized there would be a problem, Snyder and her staff contacted several resources that had previously promised secure backorders. None were successful. Presently, 250 flu shot doses remain in Michael Hall.
'We are currently waiting for an opportunity to receive more shots, enough to at least run a clinic,' Snyder said.
The dosages that remain are reserved for two specific student groups: students stricken with an underlying chronic illness such as asthma, and students studying a health related profession. New York State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, M.D, implemented the sectioning off and restriction to these two groups in a September 24 press release. These specific groups were identified in accordance with Center for Disease Control regulations.
'National demand was up, production was lower than anticipated, and that is what caused the shipment to be delayed,' Snyder said.
The excessive media attention concerning H1N1, also known as swine flu, did not help with this already cumbersome chain of events. This, combined with the commissioner's regulation – which has set a new standard for health care distribution across New York State – and the increased demand brought on by student regulation, made a difficult situation that much more complicated.
'Some have asked why stores such as Walgreens [Millersport and Sheridan, $24.99] have the shot and we don't,' Snyder continued. 'As a retail center, they have more purchasing power and flexibility to move everything along.'
Regardless of the administrative glass ceiling that would seem to have left Health Services in a waiting game, UB students at risk of H1N1 infection still have cause for concern. Countless students across campus are suffering from mono and weakened immune systems brought on by other conditions, which could worsen from exposure to H1N1.
The university expects to have an H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available within the next month or two.
Snyder encourages those in this category to seek medical attention at other venues. Several community resources are readily available, and students from the greater Buffalo area are urged to consult their local physician. Retail pharmacies such as Walgreens may also offer the shots in a more accessible capacity.
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