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It’s always hard to predict what kind of flu season the U.S. should expect and how severe cases could be. Add in the fact the U.S. is still experiencing record numbers of new COVID-19 cases on a daily basis and it makes predicting the future more difficult.
So far, flu cases have been down significantly compared to the 2019-20 season, but health officials also typically expect the peak in early February. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there have been three flu-related deaths since Sept. 27, 2020. As of the week that ended Dec. 19, only 1 out of about 5,000 specimens submitted to the state lab tested positive for flu. And for the week ending Jan. 2, there were 3 positive out of about 3,000 specimens submitted.
COVID vaccine supply diverted to larger counties
Just last week, Swain and Macon county health officials lamented over a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines making it to them from Raleigh, and this week they have a better understanding of why.
In an email to Macon County commissioners, County Manager Derek Roland said he was told by the state that Macon’s vaccine allotment would remain the same 200 doses a week even though the county requested more.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services sent out a Vaccine Allocation Survey to counties on Jan. 19 asking all counties to ramp up to their maximum capacities. The Macon County Health Director Kathy McGaha committed to vaccinating 2,250 individuals in Macon County during Jan. 20-26, but then was told Jan. 22 Macon’s allocation would remain at 200 a week.
Frustrations mount over vaccine roll out
Rural counties in Western North Carolina are feeling the frustrations with the national COVID-19 roll out plan.
County health departments are overworked and understaffed as they attempt to follow the changing protocols and requirements associated with COVID testing and vaccinations.
“It’s been a disaster, the vaccine (rollout) has it’s not our fault but we have to deal with it,” said Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale during a Jan. 12 meeting. “If the federal government and the state don’t function, we still have to function at the county level.”
Macon commissioners said they were receiving complaints from constituents who have been trying to make a vaccination appointment through the health department. When they call, they either get a busy signal or are put through to voicemail.
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