Seasonal flu vaccine shortage across Southeast Texas, U.S.

If you're on the hunt for the seasonal flu vaccine, you may have a tough time.

Two of the nations largest drug store chains are reporting shortages at some of their stores and dozens of pharmacies around the Golden Triangle say if they're not completely out of the shot at this point, they're getting close.

The amount of phone calls to King's Pharmacy in Beaumont hasn't changed lately, despite the fact that the answer to the most popular question... has changed.

Pharmacist Greg Hamby said, "I've had the story several times that they find someone and by the time they get there the supply is exhausted."

And it's the same story most pharmacies are hearing from families in search of the seasonal flu vaccine.

This year, the shot has garnered some of the highest demand in years. The problem is... the supply can't meet that demand.

Hamby said, "It lasted me 2, 3 months last year, this year, it lasted me two weeks."

Hamby says the increased focus on the swine flu is to blame.

"Significant resources were dedicated to the H1Nn1 and with that focus came a delay with the release of the lots of the regular seasonal flu vaccine and that delay of course cascades with delayed shipments and delayed receiving," he said.

But while there's a delay in the product, there's an increase in interested people.

"It's been somewhat chaotic, we've seen some lengthy lines," said Hamby, "I've had many many patients come in that have never had the flu vaccine before and this year they do get the flu vaccine so I do think it's a good thing."

And at this point, Hamby says the phones continuing to ring are also a good thing... because it means families aren't giving up.

When asked, 'Would you just say to those who are still seeking this to search vigorously,' he responded, "Absolutely, and whenever you find it, act quickly."

While Hamby says he doesn't expect a new shipment in any time soon, he says there are still available flu shots at the Mid-county location of King's Pharmacy.