Flu shots

It may be tempting for some to criticize the Lake County Health Department for its initial handling of the H1N1 vaccination program, but from what we can tell they've been doing it exactly by the book. An overwhelming demand for the swine flu shots and nasal mists at the department's first round of clinics last week drastically depleted its meager government-supplied vaccine supply. After inoculating 12,650 residents Thursday and Friday, the department was forced to cancel countywide clinics scheduled for the weekend. Undoubtedly, that frustrated worried parents and many county residents who didn't receive the shots in the first round. The county had requested 100,000 doses.

Health Department officials did what the federal Centers for Disease Control asked them to do to combat this first worldwide flu outbreak in three decades: Make a public plea that only those defined by the CDC in high-risk groups come to the scheduled clinics for the free vaccinations. The CDC did not tell county health officials to insist on proof that someone was in a high-risk group, which includes anyone age 6 months through 24 years old, pregnant women, caregivers and parents of children younger than 6 months, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

From a health standpoint, the CDC has advised, the rest of us aged 25 to 64 can wait until the high-risk groups are accommodated. Eventually, the federal government tells us, other sources -- such as doctors, pharmacies or health clinics -- will have the vaccine. Across the nation, more than 22 million doses of H1N1 vaccine are now available, not even 10 percent of what has been ordered. The regular, seasonal flu is also upon us, and 85 million doses of that vaccine have been distributed.

No doubt there were some who received the H1N1 vaccine at last week's clinics in Gurnee, Mundelein, North Chicago, Round Lake Beach and Waukegan who weren't in the targeted groups. Perhaps it was selfish of them to cut in line, so to speak, to get the vaccine that was meant for at-risk residents.

But we can overlook that when we consider how health professionals and the government have rapidly raised awareness of H1N1. Perhaps they've done too good a job. Maybe that's why we all want the flu shot and are willing to stand in long lines to get it.

OUR VIEW