Some Private Clinics Have H1N1 Shots

Critics Angered that Those Who Can Pay Are Getting Shots before Those Who Have the Greatest Need

(CBS)  Weeks late, and with only a third of the doses expected, Dallas county began mass vaccination of high risk residents against H1N1 Flu Wednesday.

It's the first free walk-in shot clinic in Dallas. But at private clinics, which can charge patients for their shots or nasal mist, the vaccine has been available - in some cases for days or weeks, reports CBS News correspondent Don Teague.

One clinic got nearly 12,000 doses last week. Despite recommendations that pregnant women and other higher risk patients have priority, it vaccinates anyone who pays the $20 fee.

"This is kind of a niche that we specialize in," said Jeff Vitt, the CEO of Star Medical Group-Flu Shots of America. "I've been involved in scheduling, coordinating and providing flu shots since 1998 and we think we have a very effective model."

But state health officials say the private clinic shouldn't have received any doses of H1N1 vaccine, much less nearly 12,000.

Special Report: H1N1 Virus

An investigation determined the owner didn't break the law, but won't receive any more doses because he "misrepresented his business on a vaccine application."

Jeff Vitt denies there was any wrongdoing. But critics say his clinic gamed the system.

"It might be legal, but it's certainly not ethical, and it's certainly not taking care of the patients who need it most, first," said Dr. Bob Kramer medical director of the flu program with the Home Health Services of Dallas.
Like those lined up in Dallas who couldn't get free shots until today.

Dallas county health officials say they have enough vaccine to at least get through today's clinic, but say they've ordered 20,000 additional doses that still haven't come in, and they need them now.

"I'm concerned that the state allowed someone to get the vaccine who should not, in their own words, should not have gotten the vaccine in the first place," said Zachary Thompson, the director of the Dallas County Health Department.

Putting those most at risk behind those who can pay.

[bustogusto]

I went to the Dallas clinic because it was the only place to get the H1H1 shot in Dallas area. I'm in the high risk group and none of my doctors ordered any, so I'm glad they have them. I do think they should give some up though as a moral decision. If not then they should be shut down because they are risking kids lives for profit. I live in Collin County North of Dallas where they received $1M to help distribute vaccines, but all you get when you call is a message to call "Information". That's one expensive automated message!

[Turbidite]

As reported on the NBC news this morning, Wall Street workers and execs are receiving the swine flu vaccine on a preferential basis, while tens of thousands in NYC stand in lines only to find out the vaccine is not available to them! The Wall Streeters are truly the pigs that everyone has been calling them.

[ellaqz]

Just saw this story on the news. I am a nurse educator in NE understand there is an application process & rules that private clinics must follow. However, in our health system we haven't even got enough vaccine to vaccinate all of the 24/7 health care professionals. A friend, who is a nurse at a children's hospital was exposed & is now in the adult hospital in the ICU on a ventilator. Several other health care professionals (those that are with the patients 24/7) have ended up in the hospital very sick because of an exposure.

It seems that the application process is a tad messed up if the people who are caring for the sick of this country (many of whom have H1N1) cannot be vaccinated before wall street workers!!

[magoo2u1]

Sorry , left something out: As for the children of the mentally defective right wing nutbags- sad , sorry, letting their parents kill them out of ignorance removes the parent's defective "right" gene from the gene pool and strengthens humanity. After they're gone we can actually get something accomplished to help us survive- like health care insurance for everyone.
I have a good policy by the way-excellent by anyone's standards. But my friends and neighbors do not. Neither do strangers. They all need it.

[magoo2u1]

Woah there. Let's don't get too hasty condemning the radical far right goofballs. If they get the vaccine they will survive. Let them stay home for now and die later. AS for me I think we should legalize pot and support stupidity. Let pot heads stay home, smoke dope and watch the boob-tube all day and right wing screwballs die form the flu. Leaves the good jobs and plenty of vaccine for me and my kids. See the MATRIX for an example of how the system will work. Lay around collecting your check and smoking dope while someone else runs the real world for ya.

[tadams86]

The vaccine is more dangerous than the virus.

H1N1VaccineDangers.com

[halehula]

People like you, who spread idiotic rumors, are more dangerous than the virus. We've have kids die within 3 days of showing symptoms. If people refuse vaccination because they listen to you and end up dying, or having their kids end up dying, I hope this burns in your memory for a long time. Irresponsible criminal.

[sbelknap01]

Oh, for crying out loud. I'm willing to bet you that you have taken a prescription drug in the last 12 months. I'm willing to bet you have taken an over-the-counter medication in the last 6. Have you READ the potential side effects? Do you eat red meat? Is your weight correct? Do you excercise daily? Do you drink non-organic milk or juice? How about your blood pressure? Sodium? Sugar? These risks you take every day but the concept of taking a vaccine that protects not only you but everyone who must come in contact with your silly @ss is beyond you. Sigh. I hope you live your life inside, because your risk of being struck by lightening must terrify you.