Pediatricians want to distribute flu vaccine based on need

Children's doctors in Illinois are urging the state to reserve H1N1 vaccination for those who need it most and to get doses into the hands of pediatricians who can easily prioritize the sickest patients.

The Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics says distribution methods most widely used so far - in-school vaccination and first-come, first-served walk-in clinics - bypass children who need the vaccine the most.

"A lot of children most in need don't go to school," said Dr. Irwin Benuck, president of the Illinois chapter and a pediatrician in Evanston.

The 20 doses his office finally received went to patients with serious health conditions, including some who require supplemental oxygen and one who has muscular dystrophy.

"If he got a respiratory illness, it could be fatal," Benuck said.

Dr. Timothy Wall said his practice in Naperville received about 100 vaccine doses from Central DuPage Hospital for his most at-risk patients, such as kids with cerebral palsy or kidney disorders.

The state has repeatedly promised deliveries that haven't come through, he said.

"It's been a puzzle to us," he said.

In a letter to state health officials, the Illinois pediatricians also say the state should tighten its guidelines for who gets the vaccine until the shortage eases.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended such guidelines in case of shortage, but state and county officials have so far ignored them.

Currently, the state and county health departments follow general recommendations for priority groups who should get the shot: Pregnant women, caregivers of children under age 6 months, health care and emergency workers, people age 6 months to 24 years and people age 25 to 64 with chronic health problems that put them at risk for complications.

In case of a shortage, the CDC says shots should go to pregnant women, those who care for children younger than 6 months, children age 6 months to 4 years and children who have high-risk medical conditions.

Illinois Department of Public Health officials previously said they would consider the stricter guidelines, but never implemented them.

Benuck said he believes the state is looking into adopting the stricter guidelines. State public health representatives were not available Wednesday, when their offices were closed because of Veterans Day.

The IDPH has begun giving vaccines through schools, by appointment, and at walk-in clinics to start Saturday, but parents of children with medical conditions that put them at risk have repeatedly complained they have not been able to get the vaccine.

IDPH officials also said this week that they are trying to get the vaccine to pediatricians, but that some sub-specialists who handle kids with cardiac, respiratory and other ailments are not equipped to distribute vaccines.

Wall said distributing vaccine through doctors who know their patients' histories is much better than public clinics, where it seems "everybody who gets in line gets it."