State health officials today reported the amount of H1N1 vaccine received this week, 50,000 doses, is well below the 183,000 doses that were expected.
“Vaccine estimates have changed nearly daily and have been lower than that anticipated and planned for,” said Joni Reynolds, Immunization Program director at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado health officials advised local health departments and hospitals to give the available vaccine to those health care workers who provide direct patient care to high-risk groups.
The following are considered at high-risk for experiencing complications from H1N1 and should be the first in line to receive the vaccine: preschool children, school-age children and young adults with chronic health conditions, health care workers with direct patient contact, pregnant women, and parents/caretakers for children younger than six months.
The state’s chief medical officer, Ned Calonge, said in a news release that his federal partners have assured him that Colorado will receive all the vaccine needed to provide immunizations for Coloradoans who need them — though later than originally anticipated.
Victoria Barbatelli: 303-954-1698 or vbarbatelli@denverpost.com
