While in a typical year pediatricians are just starting to give their flu shots, this year they started early and most quickly ran out. Part of the problem was a bigger than expected demand because of the large number of swine flu cases, but a delay in shipment of seasonal flu vaccine is the bigger problem.

This was likely caused by a shift to production of the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine meant delays in making seasonal flu vaccine. Since we are mostly seeing swine flu right now, having the swine flu vaccine available soon will make waiting for seasonal flu vaccine worth it in the long run.

Flu Vaccine Delays

So if you can't get a seasonal flu vaccine right now, what should you do?

Remember that while the current recommendations are that all children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years get a seasonal flu vaccine, in addition to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine, the CDC states that people should usually try to get their seasonal flu shot before December.

Since more seasonal flu vaccine is expected to be delivered in November, that gives most kids plenty of time to get vaccinated.

If your child is in a high risk group, such as with asthma, diabetes, or other chronic medical condition or if you simply don't want to wait until your pediatrician gets his seasonal flu shots, there are some places you can go to find flu shots, including:

• CVS - only for children at least four years old
• Walgreens - only for children at least four years old
• Lake Pointe Urgent Care Center
• Tom Thumb - only for children at least eleven years old
• Rockwall Super Drug - only for children at least eleven years old, unless you have a prescription from your pediatrician

You might also have luck getting a seasonal flu shot for younger children with a prescription at other non-chain, local pharmacies.

Most children can likely just wait for when their pediatrician gets their supply of seasonal flu shots, especially since they may be able to get the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine at the same time.