10/06/09: H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccines Arrive in Erie County

Orchard Park’s Mimi Otminski says she caught the flu once and that was enough.
“I got it a few years back and that was enough of a reminder to go get your shot,” she chuckled. Otminski says she never miss her seasonal flu shot and would consider getting the H1N1 vaccine if it’s possible.
“I’ll think about it, I don’t think I’m eligible give the limited availability,” Otminski.
The first batch of H1N1 nasal sprays have arrived in Western New York. The Erie County Health Commissioner’s office tells YNN a small batch of nasal sprays are now in the area. Officials are not saying exactly where they are being distributed. We do know area hospitals and clinics are at the top of the list.
Whether you get a shot or a spray, Erie County Health Commissioner Doctor Anthony Billittier is urging Western New Yorkers to get the H1N1 vaccine. He says federal health officials have vetted five manufactured versions of the vaccine for distribution.
“One of the vaccines can be used in children over six months. One can be use in children over age four years. One can be used in children over 10 years. And then one can be used in people over 18-years of age,” described Dr. Billittier.
Many parents have voiced concerns about the possibility of mercury being used as a preservative in the shots. There are many heightened fears about mercury and its connection to developmental diseases like autism.
“Most vaccines today are being made without mercury. Despite that the level of children with autism continues to go up,” explained Dr. Billittier.
The H1N1 vaccine’s urgent debut has made some people uneasy about the possibility of side effects.
“I know they have concerns but I’ve never had a bad reaction to shots or anything so I’m really not concerned,” said Theresa Sullivan outside a flu shot clinic at the Orchard Park Public Library.
“I’d liked to see what some of the earlier results are on that first. My age isn’t one of the critical target areas,” said Stanley Wegrzynowski heading into the flu clinic hosted by the Visiting Nurses Association.
“I’m 76 and they tell me that people my age already have antibodies for the swine flu,” smiled Nancy Dowrey coming out of the clinic.
The World Health Organization reports four of the 39,000 people vaccinated for H1N1 in China experienced minor side effects like muscles cramps and headaches.
The Centers for Disease Control reports the H1N1 nasal sprays contain the live virus which can be dangerous for pregnant women. These women are advised to get the H1N1 shot.
While WNY area hospitals sort through the small supply of nasal spray vaccines, the Erie County Health Commissioner continues to advocate for people to roll up their sleeves for the H1N1 shot when it arrives in the upcoming weeks.
“We want the health care delivery system to vaccinate their patients. It’s just part of health care. It’s another shot and it should not be handled any differently,” said Dr. SOT: Dr. Billittier.