Tackling H1N1 vaccine questions

Hundreds have been lining up across Hampton Roads for special H1N1 clinics aimed at vaccinating the most vulnerable. But how many of those standing in line are really at risk?

"Are there some people who get ahead of things and claim they have something they don't? Quite probably," said Dr. William Berg, who's a Hampton health director. While he is not condoning it, Dr. Berg insists trying to figure out who meets the guidelines and who does not would just take too long. "We're taking people's word when they say they're in a risk group and need it. In the long run everyone is going to be vaccinated anyway," he added.

Some are infuriated by how the vaccines are being distributed. In an email sent to WAVY.com, one dad said, "They should prioritize...rather than giving the vaccine to healthy teachers, school board employees, bus drivers, etc...while special needs children...are left vulnerable."

"I don't think it's fair but who's to say what's right and what's wrong," said Sharon Young, who as a heart patient she wants her shot too. "Time is of the essence."

Time is also ticking away for those students under 10 who got their first shot of vaccine in the last two weeks. They're supposed to receive a second shot one month later.

Dr. Berg said "some kids might have to wait and not get it promptly at one month," which is the optimal time for the booster shot but not the only time.

Research shows you can get it at 6, even 8, weeks out. Dr. Berg prescribes patience and reassures everyone who wants vaccine will get it soon but an exact date is not known.

"I don't know when we're getting a shipment in," he said. "And we don't know how much of what we requested is coming in any given shipment."

A Virginia Beach nurse wrote WAVY.com: "There has been a gross misappropriation of the H1N1 vaccine. While schools, health departments and physicians offices are still waiting for the H1N1 vaccine, you can go get your vaccine at Kroger and Farm Fresh in Virginia Beach! Please tell me how this happens?"

The Virginia Department of Health says it doesn't control vaccine deliveries but outlined the process. City health departments, doctors offices, and pharmacies all placed vaccine orders with the VDH months ago. VDH placed the orders with the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC puts in the order to manufacturer and when it's ready a distribution company sends it out.

A spokeswoman at McKesson corporation, the CDC's primary distribution partner, told WAVY.com the CDC provides the order list to McKesson, which then packs and ships vaccine orders on the same day they're received.

WAVY.com will continue to investigate.