High dose flu shots recommended for 65 and up in limited supply

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- People 65 and up are advised to get the High Dose Trivalent Flu Vaccine, but they may find out the supply is limited.

"We had to pre-order unfortunately, so we pre-ordered, we got most of the shipment, but we were told we're not going to get anymore. It's different than previous years, which is disappointing because everybody should get vaccinated, " said Charles Fenzi, M.D., the CEO of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.

Dr. Fenzi said he and his wife got vaccinated at the Eastside Neighborhood Clinic on Milpas St. on Monday morning.

Santa Barbara County Public Health did not get a high dose shipment and is recommending people try Sansum Clinic.

Sansum Medical Director Dr. Marjorie Newman called the high dose supply limited, but said it is still important to get the flu vaccine as the nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Many patients ask should they wait and get the high dose vaccine if they are 65 and older, there are limited supplies of the high dose vaccine. we actually do have them at Sansum Clinic, but it is a limited supply, and what we are saying is exactly what the CDC is saying; don't wait, necessarily, for a high dose vaccine if there is another age-appropriate vaccine available for you."

Dr. Newman said the dose takes a couple of weeks for the antibodies to build up after getting vaccinated.

When customers found out their favorite pharmacy on the Santa Barbara Mesa had just received more doses they went in to get vaccinated on Monday night.

Laura Cavalli was pleased to take getting the high dose vaccine off her to-do list.

"I got extra-strength."

She was going to get vaccinated in the morning until she found out Rite Aid on the Mesa was offering vaccinations after sunset.

"It is a sense of relief it really is, I don't want to get the flu on top of COVID."

Adults interested in getting vaccinated at a free drive-thru clinic on Oct. 3, in the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel parking lot off McMurray Road in Buellton can register at cottagehealth.org/SYflu

Safety precautions will be in place and masks will be required to receive a vaccine.