Now's a good time for flu shot, officials say

PROVO — Now is the perfect time to get vaccinated against the flu, health officials say.

Lance Madigan, Utah County Health Department spokesman, said it is just before Christmas and New Year's Day when many people start mingling with more friends and family than normal and staying up later, which could cause immune systems to weaken.

There is also no shortage of vaccine as there was earlier in the season.

Although the instances of H1N1 have been going down for the past four weeks, history has shown that there may be another spike in the virus in February or March — the same time the seasonal flu will spike, Madigan said.

As of Friday midday, there were still slots open to get the H1N1 vaccine today by going to www.UtahCountyHealth.org.

The health department will open online reservations for H1N1 vaccine appointments at 9 a.m. Monday for priority cases. Appointments will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

All vaccinations will take place at the Health and Justice Building, 151 S. University Ave.

For those unable to register online, a very limited amount of vaccine will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. Priority will be given to individuals with reservations. All others will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Priority groups include pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age; children ages 6 months to young adults 24 years of age; people who work closely with large groups of children on a daily basis; persons 25 years of age and over with chronic medical conditions associated with higher risk of medical problems from influenza; and health care or emergency medical personnel with patient contact.

Next week, the Utah County Health Department will open up the priority group to include those who work closely with large groups of children such as teachers and day-care workers.

The seasonal flu vaccine is also available at the health department and can be received at the same time as the H1N1 vaccine, Madigan said.

"It is important to remember you need both vaccinations," he said. "The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1, and the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from the seasonal flu."

Clinics for the seasonal flu are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday and have no priority registration.

For more information about vaccinations and appointments, call 801-851-2222 or visit www.utahcountyhealth.org.

Elsewhere in the state:

Salt Lake County residents can arrange flu vaccinations if they are in a priority group. Vaccinations can be scheduled at 47 different clinics and medical offices.

In Weber County, appointments are being scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Davis County, appointments can also be arranged for next week.

Go to health.utah.gov for detailed information regarding appointment scheduling.

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com; lynn@desnews.com