Last fall's flu shot shortage cause panic in millions of at-risk Americans. People stood in long lines, waiting for shots, and some even drove over the border into Canada where the vaccine was readily available. Now, it appears as though this shortage has turned into a surplus with many states reporting that they have more than enough to meet the demand. The concern now is that some of this vaccine will go to waste unless doctors can convince their patients that it is still advisable for them to be vaccinated.

The shortage was created when Chiron, a major U.S. supplier was forced to scrap 48 million doses of the vaccine earmarked for distribution. Now, Aventis Pasteur, the manufacturer of almost all the vaccine for the U.S. this year, says that they still have nearly 3.3 million doses for U.S. distribution. GlaxoSmithKline also has 1.2 million doses and MedImmune is reporting to have vaccine as well.

Because of the shortage in the fall, many people who normally have a shot each year opted out. Companies cancelled sponsored clinics and health departments carefully doled out the doses. Fortunately, flu activity has been mild so far this year, but normally the season does not start in earnest until February. It's not too late to get a vaccine, but time is of the essence in that the shots usually do not become effective for two weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control has lowered the age restriction, and now considers anyone over 50 to be eligible to receive a shot. If you have questions, contact your physician or local health department.