Flu shots are in high demand

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Flu shots are in high demand and now supplies are running low. Many pharmacies in the Springfield area are out and waiting for a new shipment.

However, since it's late in the season, manufacturers have already shipped nearly 130 million doses out of 135 million planned.

For those who got their flu shot earlier in the season, they're relieved they did.

“I'm glad I went early on and that I got protected right away because it takes a couple weeks I guess and it's a little late but I guess it's still a good thing to get.,” said Marge Crowley of Feeding Hills.

It's a surprise to many since millions of vaccines go unused in most years.

“It seemed every pharmacy, everywhere you turn around it said they were available and now they're all gone,” said Name Bret Leveille of Longmeadow.

And even if pharmacies do have flu shots left, children could have a problem because many pharmacies do not give the vaccine to anyone under 18.

Jaelen and his sister are hoping that by getting the shot when they can they don't fall victim to the flu epidemic.

“A lot of people have been sick lately with the flu, people in my class, people in the school, everyone's been sick lately and since we're kids too it's more effective on us,” said Jaelen Burger of Chicopee.

So if the supply runs out, why not make more? Well, it's not that easy.  The flu vaccine is complicated to brew with supplies for each winter made months in advance.

The flu season can be the worst in January and February and run through March. So if you can still find a flu shot, it's not too late, yet.