DuPage H1N1 vaccine supply can't meet the demand

Amid reports that DuPage County residents seeking appointments for H1N1 flu shot vaccines are being turned away, county health department officials are pushing their supply of a mist spray instead.

"The demand for appointments has been heavy," said Dave Hass, DuPage Health Department spokesman. "We have a very limited supply of the vaccine for the first few days, but a supply of flu mist (is) available for our other clinics."

The statement comes about 24 hours after the health department announced it would begin taking appointments for the flu vaccinations for priority residents. However, several residents reported waiting 45 minutes to two hours Monday night and Tuesday to try and make an appointment only to be told they would have to wait or settle for the mist.

Children are among the priority population along with adults who suffer from medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the flu, but asthma sufferers cannot take the mist.

"We expect more vaccine soon," Hass said. "We encourage people to get the flu mist if that is available or wait for greater vaccine availability in the near future."