Pharmacies are reporting a nationwide shortage of flu shots and Tamiflu during the current flu outbreak.

Pharmacists at Pilgrim Pharmacy in Pelham Bay say they usually carry the flu shot earlier in the year when it's best to get it. Now that it's late in the season, it's difficult to obtain.

As for the medication Tamiflu, which can be used to treat or prevent the flu, Pilgrim is out of the brand name but does have the generic version in stock. Pharmacists say the distributors of Tamiflu told them the medication isn't available, so they went to other distributors to get the generic version or make the medication in house.

Pilgrim says chain pharmacies have even sent them patients for the capsules since they've run out.

Pharmacists say the generic versions of Tamiflu are just as effective as the brand name.