Flu shot clinics will begin October 3 throughout Monroe County, but shots will initially be administered only to residents aged 65 and older or high-risk individuals. In addition, pneumococcal vaccine will be offered at most community clinics to further protect residents from severe complications from the flu. Residents may call 274-6189 for the locations of flu shot clinics in Monroe County.

The Community Nursing Center at the University of Rochester will partner with Wegmans Food Markets this year to conduct numerous large public clinics. Independent Nursing Care will hold clinics at VIX Pharmacies. The Monroe County Health Department will host numerous clinics in the City of Rochester and the county's Office for the Aging will offer smaller scale clinics at senior citizen centers.

Approximately 60 percent of this year's supply of vaccine should be shipped this month. An additional 30 percent will be shipped next month, with the remainder expected to arrive by mid-December. The delay is caused in part because there are now fewer manufacturers of flu vaccine.

A new flu shot is developed each year based upon the strains of flu expected to be circulating. Unlike many vaccinations, flu shots must be administered each year. Medicare and most HMOs cover the cost of receiving a flu shot.

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms include: fever, sore throat, muscle ache, chills and headache. Peak influenza activity usually occurs from December through March. Approximately 20,000 people die from flu or its complications each year in the United States.

Preventive measures encouraged
to reduce the risk of contracting the flu include:
•Cover mouth when sneezing or coughing.
•Thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water.
•Stay home if ill with respiratory symptoms to prevent exposing others.
•Pneumonia vaccine if aged 65 or over, or with chronic illness to prevent the most common and severe complications of the flu.