Demand high in Cape Region for flu vaccine

Beebe Healthcare is making a big push for Cape Region residents to get their annual flu shot.

And so far, they’re listening.

Beebe’s medical staff has vaccinated more than 3,200 people in 13 public clinics – that’s already 75 percent of the total number of people who received flu shots the entire 2019 flu season.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming demand for flu shots from the community this year, which is really encouraging considering how important being vaccinated is with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Bill Chasanov, clinical transformation officer and infectious disease physician. “While we have had some delays in delivery, we are working to keep people informed of what is available at our scheduled flu clinics. We appreciate the community’s understanding and encourage all to not delay getting a flu shot and to visit your primary care provider, a state-run clinic, or pharmacy or grocery store.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccine manufacturers have projected that they will supply as many as 194 million to 198 million doses of influenza vaccine for the 2020-21 season. These projections may change as the season progresses. Most of this will be quadrivalent vaccine (99 percent) and thimerosal-free or reduced vaccine (87 percent). About 20 percent of flu vaccines will be egg-free.

Beebe had flu clinics planned for Oct. 17-18, but they were canceled due, in part, to the supply of vaccines being low. Beebe spokesman Ryan Marshall said shipping delays are also a factor.

Also working against many health systems is that flu vaccines are typically ordered a year in advance. Marshall says Beebe’s supply was ordered before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sean Dooley, community relations officer for Delaware Division of Public Health, said the state has provided 700 doses of the flu vaccine to Delaware hospitals. He said pharmacies and healthcare providers likely have their own supply chain.

At Bayhealth, flu shots have only been given out to companies that work with the health system or companies that have requested vaccines using insurance, said Danielle Pro-Hudson, Bayhealth media center coordinator. To date, Bayhealth has not offered any flu clinics to the community, she said.

The CDC says the flu vaccine is especially important this year because it can help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the population and thus lessen the resulting burden on healthcare systems during the pandemic.

Flu vaccine distribution has been on the rise in recent years. The CDC reports 174.5 million doses were distributed for the 2019-20 season, up from 169.1 million, 155.3 million and 145.9 million in the three prior seasons.

The Delaware Division of Public Health says a flu vaccine is especially important for pregnant women, children under 5 years old, people over 50 years old, people who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and people who live or care for those who are at high risk for complications from the flu.

Besides scheduled clinics by Beebe and Bayhealth, people may also receive a vaccination from primary-care physician offices, pharmacies and Division of Public Health clinics for uninsured and underinsured.

Beebe will continue to host free flu clinics throughout the fall. Each clinic will last as long as supplies last. Events offer both regular-dose and high-dose vaccinations.

Beebe has set up a Community Flu Hotline, 302-291-6FLU, to allow community members to hear the latest information via phone. Information is also released on Beebe’s Facebook page and website.

Upcoming free flu clinics offered by Beebe include:

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 - Milton CHEER Center, 24855 Broadkill Road, Milton
• Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes
• Thursday, Oct. 22 - Lewes Senior Center, 32083 Janice Road, Lewes
• Saturday, Oct. 24 - Beebe’s Route 24 campus, 18941 John J. Williams Hwy., Rehoboth Beach
• Sunday, Oct. 25 - Beebe’s South Coastal Health Campus, 32750 Roxana Road, Frankford.