Flu vaccine supplies seen as adequate

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Despite some spot shortages, U.S. federal health officials are confident the country's overall flu vaccine supply will be adequate this season.

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and other top health officials say any spot shortages should be addressed in the coming weeks, The New York Times reported.

Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the flu season peaks in January and February, and that the flu cases reported in eight states are normal at this time.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases attributed the spot shortages of vaccine to more people deciding to be vaccinated against the flu every year. He said this change would help if a pandemic were to strike.

The government said 70 million to 88 million doses of flu vaccines should be available this year.