WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Flu shots in short supply at some military bases

Flu shots in short supply at some military bases

(Raleigh, North Carolina) Oct. 19, 2004 - Men and women who defend the country may find it hard to fight off the flu this year. The vaccine shortage is being felt as much in the military as in the civilian population.

Normally, the Navy hospital at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, would be getting 50,000 to 60,000 doses of flu vaccine for more than 40,000 active duty Marines, dependents and retirees.

But a hospital spokesman says it hasn't received a single dose yet. Other bases report similar problems.

Those who are about to deploy will get shots. But others might have to do without.

They are getting the same advice we're all getting: "If you're sick, don't go to work. If you sneeze, cover your mouth. Wash your hands frequently. If you use someone else's telephone, wipe it down."

Posted 2:00pm by Chantelle Janelle