By Jennifer Griswold
The Oklahoman
NORMAN, Okla. — Cleveland County Health Department is in the process of scheduling flu vaccine clinics for the fall in preparation for an early flu season, health officials said.
The health department hasn’t yet received its supply of seasonal flu vaccine or H1N1 flu vaccine for the upcoming flu season, said Amanda James, county health educator.
The health department has started receiving many calls from people asking about the availability of both vaccines, health officials said.
County health officials expect to get a supply of both in October.
They are trying to schedule clinics for seasonal flu shots earlier this year. “We’re expecting an earlier flu season than usual this year, so we’re trying to get right on it,” James said.
Seasonal flu shots will be available for anyone who wants to be protected against the illness, she said.
There will be separate shots for the H1N1 flu, and it’s still unclear how much of that flu vaccine will be available, officials said.
“At this point we are uncertain how many doses will actually be distributed in the state, or how much of the new vaccine will be available in Cleveland County,” said Shari Kinney, Cleveland County Health Department administrative director.
If there are limited doses, health officials will distribute the vaccine they receive to targeted groups first, starting with pregnant women. “They’re top priority,” James said.
They then will move on to other key populations and see how far the supply goes, she said.
Other groups listed as top priority to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine include health care workers and emergency medical responders; people caring for infants younger than 6 months old; children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years old; and people ages 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions.
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