21. Flu Stories

The distribution of theH1N1 flu vaccine has been unpredictable in terms of both timing and quantity; when our clinic received its first small batch, an email went out advising staff that they were high priority and should go to the injection room to get their vaccine. A few minutes later, a second email arrived: "Make sure if you come up to the fourth floor injection room check in, that you are quiet as to why you are here. Patients are told we do not have any flu vaccine in our clinic. Thank you."

Two public servants in Alberta were fired for having provided the flu vaccine to members of a professional hockey team, disregarding established priorities. The team doctor who ordered the vaccines, and the team manager who concocted the scheme suffered no repercussions.

Somehow our clinic in Federal Way received more vaccine than it needed. Tacoma was short. No problem, we said, just put some in a box and bring it to Tacoma. Nope... it seems that vaccines can’t cross county lines.