Even though Texas has received the second highest number of H1N1 vaccinations, finding a place to get it has proven to be difficult.

According to the Center for Disease Control, as of Oct. 23 more than 831,000 doses of the H1N1, also known as swine flu, vaccination have been shipped to Texas. The only state that has received more is California, which is expected to get more than 1.3 million doses.

However, in most cases the doses are being given first to health care professionals, as is the case at Tomball Regional Hospital.

According to Lisah Shaklovitz, Infection Preventionist for Tomball Regional Hospital, the hospital has received less than 100 doses of the H1N1 vaccination.

“At the current time we have been receiving very small quantities of the vaccination and have decided to provide that for health care workers who work with individuals who are at high risk,” she said. “It’s a very, very small amount. We’re still awaiting further shipment.”

Shaklovitz said it was determined that the hospital have “healthy employees” to care for the sick.

“Our workers who are caring for the patients who are very, very ill and are at highest risk for complications from the flu,” she said. “We feel it is very important to have healthy employees available so that we have a workforce that is available and able to take care of people that are ill and that are needing to be cared for.”

Shaklovitz added that the hospital is “absolutely” expected to get more doses of the vaccination.

“But as far as when that will be, we really don’t know at this time,” she said. “(The doses) are all being issued from the state as they receive it from the strategic national stockpile supply. How they determine the numbers, I don’t know.”

The CDC reported on Oct. 23 that 46 states had reported positive tests for swine flu and that influenza “activity” is increasing.

“Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons,” the CDC reported. “In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.”

But while Tomball Regional Hospital may be in short supply of the swine flu vaccinations, the Harris County Health Department was directing those interesting in acquiring the vaccination to call 2-1-1 for more information about clinics that may have available doses.

So far, the Health Department is reporting that eight deaths resulting from H1N1 influenza have occurred in Harris County since the middle of June.

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