Title: Getting Flu Vaccine May Take Good Luck, Timing

" This is the WBUR news podcast for Thursday October 20 ninth a service of WBUR. Boston's NPR news station I'm Bob -- coming up a conversation with Boston mayoral candidate city councilor Michael -- and eight. Just ahead of next week's election. And we begin a series of conversations with the candidates for the late Ted Kennedy's US senate seat. First up Boston Celtics co owner Stephen -- Uga. And first today with the H1N1 swine flu vaccine in high demand but low supply in Massachusetts and across the nation. People considered high risk are supposed to be vaccinated first. But some high risk patients can't find the vaccine even those some healthier patients path. As WBUR. Sasha -- are reports that has many wondering if there's any rhyme or reason as to how the vaccine is being divvied up."

" Over his in his class percent to the cost -- when he's learning that it's us we don't. Increase of Foley is -- pediatricians office and summer -- for her eleven year old son's physical she's scheduled months ago. But why she's here she is a question about the H1N1 vaccine wind would be available and how soon can her son get it. She's worried because he has asthma and that puts -- a higher risk of complications from the flu."

" It was funny because one of my friends it's there for dogs and got H1N1 but you heard on the news that nobody has yet. So how can she get it if they don't have it if you -- kind of -- the."

" Not just weird. But also mysterious to a lot of people. Sure public health guidelines say high risk groups get the vaccine first that includes pregnant women health care workers and children. But Chris of police doesn't seem much consistency in how the vaccine is being handed out."

" Why does one doctor's office has no other you know they hold an event which I don't think that they would do but in heaven now. I think people are all."

" Using the same broad principles which is trying to assess who needs the vaccine the most but at this point it's hard to say that there isn't some randomness or or -- built into that process."

" That's Chris a police pediatrician doctor -- he works for Harvard vanguard which finally got its first shipment to the H1N1 vaccine last week. But most of that is already gone because Harvard vanguard only got enough for 1% of its 400000 patients. Doctor crystal tells Chris a fully her son will probably get a dose while he's here. But the supply is so small crystal says that even some high risk patients like teenagers aren't always making the cut."

" In the CDC includes all people under age 24 in the high risk group but we clearly don't have enough team and give it to all those people have appointments."

" Cambridge pediatrician Michael young -- has the same dilemma. So far his office has received a few hundred doses but it needs a few thousand. And the vaccine comes in different types some only for babies some only for pregnant women and so one. That's why doctor -- describes the process of matching vaccines to patients as a jigsaw puzzle."

" Although you'd like to two while the pirates asthmatics follower getting his nasal vaccine we can't give it. So then what we do."

" What he does is give it to a patient who can take the nasal vaccine even if that person isn't as high risk of someone else. Because the vaccine isn't helping anyone if it just sits in a refrigerator. And for doctor's office doesn't seem to be using its vaccine supply it won't get as many shipments in the future some people who perhaps are and I priority groups getting it."

" Because -- give it to them when we see them or where. We're gonna be faced with trying to get 3000 people in between two weeks in mid December when greater supplies are available."

" And that's not a stampede any doctor wants so decisions about which patients get doses often come down to who already has an appointment scheduled. Or whether the type of vaccine on hand -- safe for the patient on examining table. And sometimes doctor says it's just good timing."

" There was one patient when they walked into my examining room it was the vaccine by the time we finished in locked out. A sub box on the -- wait a minute and -- it gave them the vaccine."

" And that kind of random fortune helps explain why some people who have the same doctor have been able to get the vaccine and others haven't and different providers are taking different approaches. In Brooklyn for example the public Health Department has too few doses to hold a public clinic so it's asking school nurses to identify which students need the vaccine. So if you wanted -- your best bet is to keep calling and get your name on as many waiting list is possible for WBUR. I'm --"

" The most competitive mayoral election that Boston is seen in two decades reaches its conclusion a few days from now Tuesday's the election. In the remaining five days incumbent Boston mayor Thomas Menino and his challenger Boston city councilor Michael clarity. Are reaching out to any voters in this city left undecided. On morning edition we'll hear for Mayor Menino tomorrow this morning a conversation with counselor Florida. We asked whether he's at a disadvantage as the challenger in getting his message out."

" But I don't think so I mean for those that have an appetite for change for those that are frustrated that it we have to mania underperforming schools. And for folks that are not working or are on the verge of losing their home. They most definitely feel that that we can do better as a city. What's gone on over the last sixteen years as our mayor has actually managed to lower people's expectations. As Bostonians who have come to expect underperforming schools who have come to expect crime and violence particularly violent crime. With come to expect. Dirty street so we -- can do better -- excited. To be in this race to be within striking distance and as we can on the homestretch for the first time. In over sixteen years is a real race for mayor that heating up in Boston which is exciting what's the biggest failure of the many New Year's. I would argue the schools -- mean given that he said -- judge me by the Boston Public Schools in judgment actually and I did that in have been doing it dead during the course his campaign. 24000. Kids have dropped out of the Boston Public Schools 100 out of 143 of -- schools are failing. In only 59% of our students graduate from high school within the four years so what should he have done differently oh over the past we're terms and what would Michael clarity dues -- it would be different than what's been done. Well he should have embraced the successes of the Charter Schools which he hadn't done until this year as he's running for a fifth four year term. I led the F a in this race to have to lift the chart a cap let's recognize that we have some very successful chart is not only in the -- the Massachusetts the right here in Boston. Busting collegiate Pacific rim excel matched there's a number of them. That is doing great things there 500 students on the waiting list Charter Schools right here in Boston. What does he wanted to do he wants -- of sites that the issue and he wants industry trackers. He wants to change the successful woman and have them come under his leadership I see the last thing. We need to do is to give Tom Menino more schools. Bring your critics say that those programs alone that you endorse would not be enough to ensure that neighborhoods schools are doing a good job at educating kids. But what went at the same time you're creating Charter Schools that might improve education for the kids in those rules alone we'll try to school detractors will say that Charter Schools cherry pick. With real leadership in Boston not only -- re successful -- but I'll hold them accountable. I would embrace and support a two way bilingual charter school in Boston -- also embrace and support a special -- inclusion school. People should -- clarity administration it will never be a one size fits all I want school site autonomy. I -- empower school leaders I want school site budgeting. So those critical tax dollars actually make their way to the classroom for teaching and learning let me ask you about drug testing for Republic's."

" If the employees in Boston much I know you favor and your relationship for the firefighters union square that -- which of the firefighters union is clearly. Running both a radio and television ads blaming Mayor Menino. For not having firefighters going on every 911 call the unions endorsed you create your pledging. You're gonna hold the union speech to the fire when it comes to negotiating a new contract and getting the firefighters union which has been incredibly resistant to drug testing. You you're gonna hold their feet to the fire and get them to do that I am I gonna do well that's where that four press alarm running."

" One of the most powerful one of the most vindictive one of the most in -- and individuals. Probably in Boston's history in -- Tom Menino. If folks that don't think that LB tough enough to stand up to it Kelly in the fire department of sadly mistaken under flattered administration. All public safety personnel will have mandatory random drug and alcohol testing it has to be mandatory in it has to be random. -- contract done as mayor I intend to -- the fire department a five year contract not to exceed 14%. People will not be paid for mandatory random and drug testing. It'll be condition of employment not just for firefighters for all public safety personnel and anyone that operates heavy equipment I'm not running for the mayor of the -- I'm running for mayor of Boston but. But you know it is the union and the union can always say no thanks to the 14% over five years and thank you but no thank you for drug testing unless you pay me for the privilege of allowing me to be drug test and the people of Boston should know that while I have my sleeves rolled up and ready to go I will not acquiesced. If you're a member of the Boston fire department police and Eunice. You will not be paid for mandatory random drug and alcohol testing. With the pledge debt -- breaks will work the hydraulics will work in their pumps will work. Because when we need them the most when there's a building fine when there's a an emergency that requires our firefighters to be racing through streets that they'll get there safely and that there will be able to administer. The very necessary help that that people needed a very vulnerable time what would you do first thing in the door of the mayor's office after you were elected bigger small major or minor road today. It would be term limits doubled to bring term limits of the office of mayors have gone will be the days of someone running for a fifth -- term -- a sixth seventh or an eighth term so that it's less about a dictatorship it's less about someone building a political economy. It's about the people of Boston just in case it's a question in the minds of some listeners on the other end of the radio right now what -- the flirty term limit pretty well it's. The journalist who beat you cannot serve more than 24. Year terms. After the first four years of clarity administration. If we haven't seen significant gains with respect to the Boston Public Schools specifically our enrollment numbers specifically to drop -- crisis and specifically the number of kids that are. Are competing and getting into college and I won't seek a second four year term but never wanna put the -- before us. We're excited about that November 3 for the undecided voters -- listening -- get involved. And get out there and vote there's an opportunity to to be part of something exciting and to also be Protestant and historic. You're gonna win Tuesday absolutely there's going to be an upset absolutely and when I get into this race ice in a minute to win it. And and I wouldn't be in this race if I didn't think I can win as we started to close in with a few days left to go there is a a real sense. Of the need for change so we're very excited about November 3 can't come soon enough. And I hope that this will be one of the highest turnouts that the city has seen in in in recent years Boston mayoral candidate Boston city councilor Michael clarity thanks lot for coming -- Thank you --"

" This morning we start a series of occasional conversations with the candidate for Ted Kennedy's US senate seat. First up Stephen -- Uga the businessman and Boston Celtics co owner who has -- afford Democrats in the race. We met him at the New England Baptist hospital in Boston the Celtics official hospital. About two years ago the team surgeon perform rotator cuff surgery on value good at one of its satellite clinics -- just. As we -- don't plan is where physicians can practice that surgery by manipulating the simulated muscles and tendons. Inside a clear plastic mock up of a shoulder complete with medical instruments so this is what they did to me. This is like -- in -- On the day we met with -- Uga he unveiled his five point plan for national healthcare reform. Calls for guaranteed universal access transparency. In treatment. And containing administrative costs he explained the thinking behind the plan."

" Hospitals are high cost because sometimes incentives sometimes because education there's none of education between all of our hospitals in this country so much -- would call for. Much more education. Technology linking hospitals together -- doing the best demonstrated practice -- or else."

" Let me ask you about tort reform I know it's in your package. A lot of patience not just defense attorneys but a lot of patience look at tort reform and say well under tort reform I will not be compensated women doctors screws responded that."

" I think that's just not true we've created a system where there is an incentive for losses so much that would call for tort reforms say. If the doctor did evidence based care he did everything you were supposed to do that situation. Then the doctor is off the hook. Our system right now doesn't do that there's a lot of defensive medicine that goes on so I think we're all talking about getting into a fair system and appropriate system. Not a system that's gonna aggregate direct patients. Even in the Senate race for a little over a month now I think it's gone and it's going very well. Latest polls have showed me in the number two slot so starting with nothing getting beat number two I think that's a major accomplishment in the first month the race. What's the most significant thing that you've learned to this point music. The mostly -- others that people are really hurting out there and the issues are solvable. The say they have learned is there's a real problem Washington with special interest it's one thing to look at statistics that we've lost 200000 jobs in Massachusetts -- last twelve months and we have 320000 people and play in the state that has some of the issues that shocking but it's even more shocking. To talk to people in the struggles so this state should lead the recovery is not doing that so far and I wanna work to make that happen. Does it bother you that in some ways you've been stereotyped as though rich -- in this race. I think they're different kind of rich guys in the race I think I'm a very different kind of that you know quote rich island to refer to myself as a rich guy. I grew up the grandson of Italian immigrant. We had Sunday dinners where my grandmother would actually make these spaghetti cited come from money I think what you -- recognize it."

" As one of the leading business people in Massachusetts I'm wondering what other business leaders tell you. About the current state of the economy in terms of when they're ready to start hiring again when do you think penalty."

" I spoke to the small business association in new England and NATO is for show hands you who's gonna hire very few. So people are still cautious when issue we have talked about in this campaign that we need to talk about war is the financial system almost crashed about thirteen months ago. We've not done anything with regulation to fix that so we've got to get finance reform in there so that the excesses that happened on Wall Street and brought the system now won't happen again."

" Took your friends in the business community come up to UNC Steve we don't want a federal czar. I know you're talking about -- on the campaign defeating killer when you get to the Senate."

" Good businesses can play by the rules of the -- the rules are. It's is it does today we don't need referees for NBA games this is the -- the represent even though many of us don't like directories. That's me among them but this is to represent their -- mayhem out there and that's what we've had a Wall Street had mayhem because we didn't have a strong central directory."

" You've defined yourself by your business experience and have promised to create jobs to help companies get back. On their feet but in some ways over the twenty years you've been in private equity buying. Our companies you've cut ten out of companies and then resold them in some jobs have been lost in those deals some people feels a little disingenuous. Given that that you talk about job creation now."

" First what started as a venture capitalists since I've invested into over twenty startup companies. That definitely creates jobs second. Successful private equity firms only made my company's growth at companies grow. They end employment so every business plan that I ever looked at in my career we call for growth companies."

" There are those out there who say that you know your -- of the game. You haven't run a campaign before you're getting your feet wet this time you don't really know how to play the game elective politics and will he know how to play the game of politics when he gets again."

" Well he you know what is Capitol Hill brought us you know has brought us 10% unemployment nationally. 320000 people unemployed in Massachusetts. So if it's a game that's being played this game is not being played very well. So I think he needs someone to go down there that understands. Business and understands the struggles of people what you need to do to fix the system from the ground up."

" But with -- perspective we've heard it once we've heard it doesn't maybe a hundred times from candidates. In many different offices in recent years I wanna bring change to the office I wanna bring change to the way that things are done an inevitably. The change candidate gets elected and very little changes."

" I don't think that's true man take any try to bring change anything he did bring change and extraordinary skills of persuasion and compromise and passion I have those same kind of skills. So I don't buy that you can change things I think take any change things I think -- Roosevelt changed things I think President Obama change things that I like to be part of that."

" Steve Crowley good thanks look very good to see you again and good luck appreciate. That was businessman and Boston Celtics co owner Steve -- Uga won a four Democrats running for Ted Kennedy's open US senate seat. We plan on hearing from the other candidates in the weeks running up to the scheduled December 8 primary in the race."

" The recession has battered Boston's hotel industry especially the high end plagued by fewer tourists and fewer business travelers -- in Boston took some heat recently for cutting costs by terminating housekeepers and hiring less expensive ones other hotels and slash group prices in the downturn so why in this climate where the hotel company starwood. Spend 234. Million dollars to build a brand new hotel in Boston standard district and open it today. WBUR. -- reports."

" The new hotel as part of star would W line. Inside their 235. Rooms. From the outside W Boston is 34 stories of class structurally we sit nicely in the skyline. That's bill -- the general manager he's naturally pretty taken with the modern design and setting in an old bath industry. You have the financial part to one side of it. You have back -- of the other. With a W Boston is also facing one of the most difficult economic landscapes in a long time. Room rates have crashed occupancy is weighed down. Even so bonds says there's a market for funky hotels with personalized service there is a price for it. So we can hopefully get people back to buying an experience. Industry data from PKF consulting reveals that customers pay an average of eighty dollars extra per night. This stay in hotels like that W so called boutique brand hotels that don't really feel like you change even though they are. -- it and Marion are rolling out their own lines the global brand manager for New York based W Eva Ziegler. Says the Boston debut is part of a planned to triple the number of locations over the next two years."

" W hotels basically -- Kelso for the long term. So when the economy comes back it also means we will own the upswing. That may be true says who read Woodward if you -- its -- KF consulting Boston office but he says when the Boston hotel market rebounds he's an open question."

" It's still pretty much the wisdom in the hospitality world that this is going to be a rather slow climb out of this hole so while they are you know riding the upswing -- were. It's still looks to be of bear the gradual upswing over the next few years."

" After all he says once consumers have booked nice hotels and Boston for low rates. It's going to take a long time to convince them to pay more again. For WBUR. I'm -- case."

" Yeah."

" This podcast is a free service of WBUR Boston. To make a contribution to support the news go to our website wbur.org."