Everyone is urged to get flu vaccination

Plenty of influenza vaccine will be available for the upcoming flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And local health officials are encouraging everyone to be vaccinated to prevent flu.

"In previous years, influenza vaccine supplies have been inadequate or have arrived later than anticipated during the season," said Linda Abel, Utah Immunization Program manager. "The good news is that influenza vaccine is arriving early this year, and there are no priority groups."

Public health officials are encouraging everyone, including school-age children, to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming ill with or transmitting the flu.

Although there's no priority ranking or shortage of vaccine, health officials said that certain people who are at risk for serious illness should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. They include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, health-care workers, people with compromised immune systems, residents of long-term health-care facilities, household contacts of those with high risk and people who have kidney, lung or heart disease.

The CDC says that children ages 6 months to 8 years need vaccinations, and if they have not received one before, they need two doses of vaccine.

Although the vaccine is often referred to as a flu shot, it also is available in a nasal spray called FluMist. FluMist is recommended for healthy, nonpregnant individuals ages 5 to 49.

Health officials also are emphasizing simple measures to avoid spreading flu, including good hygiene and courtesy steps like handwashing and covering your mouth and nose with disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze.

For information on flu vaccine or to find a clinic near you, go online to www.immunize-utah.org or call the Immunization Hotline at 800-275-0659.