PLATTSBURGH — With one H1N1 death accentuating the need, officials continue to struggle with increased vaccine demand and limited supplies.

This week, as the virus claimed the life of a 28-year-old Plattsburgh woman, local physicians have seen a spike in inquiries about the vaccine and are now waiting for the next round of shipments to arrive.

“People are looking for it, but, unfortunately, there’s not an adequate supply in this area yet,” Dr. David Cohen said Thursday. “We just don’t have enough vaccines.”

LESS THAN EXPECTED

His office, Rainbow Pediatrics in Plattsburgh, recently received 50 doses of the nasal-spray vaccine, which was only a quarter of what he originally expected to get.

Another challenge, Cohen said, was that “we were not able to use it (the nasal spray) in anybody who is high risk,” such as asthmatics and those suffering from other underlying medical conditions, because the office has yet to receive the inactivated shot.

Nasal vaccines can be given only to healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49.

Of the vaccines received, Cohen said, as of midday Thursday, he had about 10 doses left, “which will probably go in the next day or so.”

STILL WAITING

Dr. Roy Slaunwhite of North Country Family Physicians said his offices in Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and St. Regis Falls have yet to receive any shipments, despite a growing demand in those communities.

“I expect we’ll get some soon. People want it, and it’s something we’re willing to do; we just don’t know when we’ll get any.”

Despite the noticeable increase in demand, Cohen said, some patients “have declined to get it, which is a shame. It’s a safe vaccine, and it’s very effective.”

He expects to receive another shipment as early as next week.