Additionally, I am an asthmatic, making the flu VERY risky for me. I contacted Boynton today to schedule my shot, only to be told that medical students can only get the intranasal vaccine. One problem: asthmatics can't get the intranasal vaccine.I calmly explained this to the lady on the telephone, but was again denied. Apparently I can only get the shot if I am pregnant.
SOOO, not being one to give up, I contacted the Minnesota Department of Health. When I spoke with them, they agreed that there is not reason why I should not be given the shot, as I 1. see patients, and 2. have asthma. I then wrote a nice email to the flu shot coordinator at Boynton. This is the response I received.
Dear Joan
Thanks for your email and I apologize for the delay in my response. This flu season has presented us with many tough calls. One of the toughest decisions has been how to use our very limited supply (only several hundred) of injectable H1N1 vaccine intended to reach the high risk groups at the University of Minnesota.
Due to our very limited supply of injectable vaccine, and the uncertainty of when we would receive more we decide to follow MDH guidelines that were given to us the week of Nov. 2nd.
Those instructions stated that while injectable H1N1 vaccine could be opened up to Health Care providers with direct patient contact, pregnant women and children under the age of 6 mos were still top priority since these groups are at highest risk for complications and death.
When we receive more of the H1N1 injectable vaccine we will be making it available to more high risk groups.
At this time, you are ineligible for the vaccine that we have. But please keep checking our website for updated information and instructions.
Sincerely,
The Boynton Health Service Flu Team"
So apparently, I just get to play Russian roulette when I see patients BECAUSE I am NOT pregnant and have asthma. AWESOME! Why to say f*ck you to the medical students with asthma.
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