Liu Gets Seniors Flu Shots

With flu vaccine supplies still limited, over 250 senior citizens flocked to the North Flushing Senior Center on Monday to vie for 208 flu shots.
Councilman John Liu acquired the shots from the Visiting Nurse Service after 85 seniors were turned away from the center in October due to a supply shortage, but an estimated 75 seniors were turned away again during Mondays first-come-first-serve program.
"Its terrible," said Roberta Goldenberg, executive director of the center as she stood in room packed with elderly people sitting in cramped rows of foldout chairs and standing against the walls. Registration for shots was scheduled for 1 p.m., but some seniors arrived by 9 a.m. to grab a spot in line according to Goldenberg. "At a quarter to 11, people started pouring in."
The flu vaccine supply for the United States was cut in half this year after one of the two companies that provides shots reported its supply to be contaminated. On Tuesday, U.S. health officials announced their intention to buy up to 4 million doses to replace the lost shots, but the new doses will not be available till later in the season, Reuters has reported.
"Its a shame that this country has to go through this," said Joe Rebhun, 76.
Liu discovered the need for more shots at the North Flushing Senior Center after attending a senior art show weeks before.
"Seniors descended on me," said Liu. "They asked me where the heck are our flu shots."
Felix and Diana Mule arrived late and were unsure if they would receive shots. Both blamed bad government planning for their predicament.
"This should have been taken care of long ago," said the 80-year-old Felix.
sarah@queenscourier.com