Fourth Street clinic in Utah, which is the main source of health care for Utah's homeless population, is struggling for funds for this year's flu vaccination program.

The corporate donors who donate funds for the flu shots have yet to come to the rescue of the homeless this year.

Allan Ainsworth, the clinic's director, says the clinic may be able to provide shots for just 400 people this year. Usually it provides care for about 1300 people. This is partly due to the increase in the cost of the vaccines which has nearly doubled. The vaccine costs have risen to $7 to $10 per dose compared to $4.40 a year ago.

"When sick people living in stressful, crowded conditions get the flu, they become sicker very quickly and can often risk death and require hospitalizations," said Dr. Bob Rolfs, Fourth Street Clinic volunteer internist and board vice chairman.

According to Fourth Street staff  $10,000 is needed to fund this year's flu vaccination program.