Flu shots at the ready
By KALEY LYON
As the final months of 2008 approach, local health care professionals are preparing to distribute the first flu vaccines of the season.
While past years have marked a vaccination shortage and late delivery times, this year's doses already have arrived. And it looks like there should be plenty to go around, Ellis County Health Administrator Butch Schlyer said.
"It's looking good -- better than it has for many years," he said. "So we're happy about that."
The Ellis County Health Department will begin offering the vaccines Thursday to Victoria and Ellis residents.
A public clinic also will be set up at the health department, 601 Main, on Oct. 13 and 14.
After that, the public is welcome to walk-in for vaccinations every Monday.
Getting an earlier start this year is for the best. The opportune time to get flu shots is in mid-October or November, he said.
The flu virus usually peaks in January and February, and the shots offer six months of protection from three strains of the virus. The vaccine was designed to protect from two strains of Influenza A and one strain of Influenza B.
The strains change on an annual basis, based on what viruses are projected to be the most prevalent.
The vaccine is especially recommended for young children, health care professionals and seniors who might be more susceptible, Schlyer said.
Children getting vaccinated for the first time will need two injections spaced 30 days apart.
The health department only has vaccines for children 4 or older; vaccines for younger children should be requested from the child's pediatrician, Schlyer said.
No appointment is necessary, and the cost is $20, he said, noting the department expects to distribute between 2,500 and 3,000 doses this year.
"There should be ample doses in Ellis County," Schlyer said.
All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Comments will not be edited. Any comment that violates the above-listed rules will be deleted.
