With winter on the way, flu shots to begin mid-October

It may only be the first of October but flu season is just around the corner, and health officials say it is never too early to get vaccinated. Locally, flu vaccinations will begin around mid-October.

Kathy Tully, manager of the immunization program at the San Joaquin County Public Health Department, said there is no way to know what the flu season will be like until they start seeing cases. She recommends people prepare themselves ahead of time by practicing good hygiene, washing hands and staying home when sick.

"Don't wait for flu season. Get vaccinated when you can," she said.

The Center for Disease Control recommends the following high-risk individuals get flu shots:

• Children ages 6 months to 5 years.

• Pregnant women.

• People 50 years of age and older.

• Those at any age who have certain chronic medical conditions.

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

• Anyone who lives with or cares for those at high risk for complications from flu.

• Health care workers.

The CDC also recommends the following do not get vaccinated:

• Those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

• Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination previously.

• Anyone who has developed Guillain-Barre' Syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine previously.

• Children less than six months of age.

• Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever.

Where to receive flu shots:

Raley's: Clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18, 19, 20, 31 and Nov. 1. They will also offer shots on a drop-in basis.
Safeway: Now offering — Call to set up time.
S-Mart Foods: Clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 20 and from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 9.
Target: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 13.
Walgreens: From noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Kelly Austin, senior public health nurse, said the County Public Health Department is expecting to receive just over 6,000 injections.

Tully estimates they will receive deliveries around the first week of November. She said the amount of vaccines received is the same every year. Although they were allocated a certain amount this year, their wasn't enough manufactured to fulfill their order. She said the shots will be doled out based on priority.

"We've made sure there are no distribution problems," she said.

Carol Farron, spokeswoman for Lodi Memorial Hospital, said they will not be giving out flu shots this year due to competition with the big box stores. She said the hospital usually purchases about 2,000 to 4,000 vaccines every year, however, it doesn't compare to what Wal-Mart or Walgreens receive since they purchase nationally. She said their December delivery date also causes a dilemma because many want to receive their shots earlier.

"The demand has decreased dramatically because people are so eager, which is good, but by the time we receive them it is too late," she said.

Farron said the most important thing people can do in order to stay healthy is to simply wash their hands.

"You can never wash your hands too much," she said.

Reader Feedback

GovAgent please post! wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:04 PM:

" Thank Senator Clinton for flu vaxs comming from over seas? her bill tried to make the manufactures here in the US give away their profits and loose money to vaccinate. The companies said up your Ms.Clinton, the government is not going to force us to do something we dont want to! This is why all our vaccinations are now supplied by over seas companys. Now she is running for Pres? God help the Medical field and U.S. "

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