A reader read about the benefit of influenza shots and called her doctor, who told her there was no vaccine in Japan. That seemed unlikely in a country prone to flu epidemics, so she asks why.

It is, indeed, unusual. For the first time ever, a large percentage of the serum manufactured to counteract this year's flu season did not meet the government's rigid standards. By then, it was too late to produce another supply. The shots are generally given in sets of two in October/November for the flu season in January/ February. A single shot is said to be 85 percent effective, but two are recommended. Although flu inoculations are greatly in demand in Western countries, they are not as prevalent here. Efforts were made, however, to see that the available vaccine was given to those considered to be most at risk, among them the elderly, AIDS and chemotherapy patients and people caring for children. While flu vaccinations are not promoted here under the government health program, many feel they should be obligatory, at least for children and the elderly, who suffer most from the disease.

Then why doesn't the government import enough to fill the need? Apparently required paper work and testing would prevent the vaccine from arriving in time to alleviate the shortage. While a diligent search might find a clinic with serum, it would be a little late for this year.