The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) says the state is having difficulty keeping up on the H1N1 vaccine demand.
The MDCH reports 16 Michigan residents have died from the H1N1 virus since September 1, 2009. 396 people have been hospitalized.
As of noon Monday, the MDCH reports 73 schools were closed because of flu like illnesses.
The MDCH reports they have been allocated 999,200 doses of the vaccine by the CDC, but they say this isn’t enough to vaccinate the estimated 5 million people in the state who are considered “at risk.” So far, the state has placed orders from the CDC for 765,300 vaccines and nasal sprays. These are being distributed to those considered most in need.
Bob Swanson, director of communications at the MDCH, says, “we're filling [the vaccines] as quickly as we can and getting them out, but I think the demand is high. We need more vaccines available for the individuals in the state and we're trying to get out as much as we can as quickly as we can."
Dr. Greg Holzman of the MDCH says the H1N1 outbreak is much more intense than the normal flu outbreak.
