NEW YORK, NY October 28, 2005 —Doctors in the metropolitan area are reporting shortages of flu vaccine - despite assurances by federal and local health officials that there will be enough shots to go around. WNYC's Fred Mogul has more.

REPORTER: Drug-maker Chiron is up and running after last year's contamination, but recently announced this year's production run would be smaller than expected. Authorities say other companies have picked up the slack, and there should be enough vaccine for anyone who wants it. But Dr. Sidney Stein from Beth Israel Hospital is one of many physicians who've had trouble getting the shots from distributors.

STEIN: We maybe got like a 20th of what we usually get we may be getting more. They won't commit themselves. They say there's a possibility

REPORTER: Stein is advising patients to seek out vaccine clinics run by pharmacies and the city health department. He and many doctors report increased interest due to media reports about bird flu -- although no cases have occurred in North America, and the standard vaccine does not protect against it. Flu season typically begins in December and runs through March. For WNYC, I'm Fred Mogul.