Editorial: Get a flu shot while you can
July 3, 2008 · Updated 11:39 PM
Island County finally has enough flu vaccine on hand to offer it to a wider segment of the population -- those age 50 and over.
Until now, the scarce vaccine has been reserved for only the highest risk groups, such as very young children and people with chronic diseases or with other serious health problems.
Demand for the vaccine seems to be waning, health authorities say. Perhaps people have been so inundated by media coverage of the vaccine shortage they think none is available, or perhaps the lack of a major outbreak of influenza has lessened peoples worries about the flu.
But flu season hasnt officially peaked yet, an occurrence that typically happens in January or February. If we are hit by a serious flu outbreak, it will be too late to ask for a flu shot -- what little vaccine is in stock will go quickly.
So now is the time to get a flu shot if youre at least 50 years old and for any reason are worried about your ability to survive the flu. Check with your family doctor, or visit one of Island Countys flu clinic. Theres one today, Dec. 22, from 1-4 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Family Resource Center. For flu shot information call the Health Department at 679-7351.
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