Slow Start To Flu Season

Gives Everyone A Second Chance

CHICAGO (AP) — Health officials say the flu season is off to a slow start, giving everyone a chance to get vaccinated.

They say shots are especially important at this time a year as people find themselves in crowded shopping malls and families gather for the holidays.

Hospitals and medical centers had been asking people to allow the elderly and others who might be more vulnerable to influenza a chance to be immunized first.

The vaccine was delayed when production was halted at two of the four vaccine makers because of manufacturing violations.

The supply of vaccines is now back up and health officials say it is not too late to get the shot.

The state’s first laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were reported last week.

Flu activity is moderate nationwide with Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Colorado reporting either widespread or regional flu outbreaks.

Last year at this time there were 19 states reporting the same conditions.

“There is still plenty of vaccine available,” said James Singleton of the US Centers for Disease control.