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Flu Vaccine Can Be Hard To Find In Austin


The flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu is widespread in 48 states, including Texas.

Medical experts recommend getting the vaccine if you haven't already, but in Austin that may be easier said than done.

Pharmacies in the area are reporting flu vaccine shortages.

KEYE TV did some checking and found out Walgreens and Randalls are stocked up. However, when we spoke with HEB, CVS and local pharmacies some stores say they are either completely out or have the vaccine one day and not the next.

Tarrytown Pharmacy owner Mark Newberry tells us this is the busiest year they have seen in nine years. They ordered 1,000 shots and used every one of them.

"We can get it directly from the manufacture, and then we can get it from our wholesaler. Neither of those places we have been able to get it," said Newberry.

Luckily most of his clientele got it before they were out, but still they are getting multiple calls a day.

"People have been asking us where they can get it and honestly we have no idea, he said.

Published reports say Sanafi, the largest flu vaccine provider in the U.S. has sold out of four of the six different dosages of Fluzone. Nearly 130 doses were distributed this season and already 112 million have been used.

While stores are in limbo about their vaccines supply, Newberry is already getting ready to order for next year.

"The sooner we order we can get put at the front of the list for deliveries next year. We will order within the next week," Newberry said.

If you want to get the flu shot, stores are recommending you call ahead of time and book an appointment.

By Christie Post