The University Medical Center this week began distributing a new version of the influenza vaccine FluMist, which is applied via the nasal cavity.
The country currently suffers an influenza vaccine shortage, caused by a contamination of vaccines from the Chiron Corporation, which eliminated a large percentage of the total supply.
The traditional flu vaccine, administered through an intramuscular injection, is intended for almost anyone. But FluMist is manufactured with a live influenza virus and can be administered only to people in good health, according to Andy Smith, staff pharmacist at the University Hospital.
"It is considerably more expensive and must be stored at a cooler temperature" than the intramuscular version, Smith said. He added that the vaccine is fairly new and since it is a live virus has a narrow applicable range.
Peter Jump, University Medical Center director of public relations, said a recipient must be "a healthy person between the ages of five and 49 to get a [live virus] vaccine."
These criteria stand in opposition to the parameters set by the Center for Disease Control, which recommend traditional vaccines for the chronically ill, young, elderly and those with regular exposure to sick people.
Jump said vaccines currently are reserved for University Medical Center employees, especially those who regularly interact with patients and those more susceptible to illness.
"I believe there are enough vaccines for health care workers," Jump said.
He was unable to comment on whether the influx in vaccines will reach students. No one at Student Health was available for comment. University Health employees who qualify for the vaccine can obtain it from the Employee Health Office.
Inoculation services currently are scheduled until Nov. 17 at various University Medical facilities. Employees can the vaccination at the Employee Health Facility during normal business hours.
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