Health Officials Report Shortage In FluMist

(CBS) -- We are now in flu season and doctors say it's the perfect time to get your child vaccinated. But you may get some surprising news when you call your doctor.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey explains why the FluMist may not be available for a while.

Four-year-old Noa prefers the painless FluMist to the painful flu shot.

But manufacturers say there's a shortage of the FluMist, meaning your child may have to get the shot.

"There's a limited supply and so there is a manufacturing limitation due to the ingredients that are used in the mist so we're getting shipments in but in limited quantities and more delayed than normal," said Dr. Payal Adhikari.

The Chicago Department of Health tells CBS 2 they have half the supply of the FluMist they've had in years past.

The Illinois Department of Health confirms: they've heard from health care providers complaining of the shortage.

Doctor Adhikari says while kids may be leery of the shot, they need it to stay healthy this flu season.

"It's always better to get your kids protected than to risk them getting the flu," she said.

Still, this could shape up as a battle between kids and parents.

"You need the flu shot so even if there ain't no mist left I'll still get the flu shot anyway," said Tiffany Hill.

"I would probably just go for the shot because this one's been sick already this year," said Kelly Piskur.

Doctors tell us regular flu shots are available and they're expecting shipments of FluMist in the Chicago area by the end of December.