1 hour ago {12/23/2003}
By WILL LESTER, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Nearly half of the Americans who did not get a flu vaccine this year said they thought it was unnecessary, says an Associated Press poll taken at a time when health officials are scrambling to cope with a vaccine shortage during a severe flu season.
Very few of those who skipped their vaccinations said they tried to get a shot but none was available, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Of the two-thirds who said they didn't get it, only 6 percent said there was no vaccine available.
Among the people who didn't get it were many people who are at risk, including a sizable number of seniors and a majority of young children, according to the poll.
Makers of the flu vaccine in this country said earlier this month they have run out of supplies and are not able to meet a surge of demand resulting from fears of a particularly harsh flu season.
full article
By WILL LESTER, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Nearly half of the Americans who did not get a flu vaccine this year said they thought it was unnecessary, says an Associated Press poll taken at a time when health officials are scrambling to cope with a vaccine shortage during a severe flu season.
Very few of those who skipped their vaccinations said they tried to get a shot but none was available, according to the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Of the two-thirds who said they didn't get it, only 6 percent said there was no vaccine available.
Among the people who didn't get it were many people who are at risk, including a sizable number of seniors and a majority of young children, according to the poll.
Makers of the flu vaccine in this country said earlier this month they have run out of supplies and are not able to meet a surge of demand resulting from fears of a particularly harsh flu season.
full article
