Flu vaccine stocks ample, officials say.

Byline: TIM CHRISTIE The Register-Guard

This winter's flu season should be average in severity, and influenza vaccine should be plentiful and shipped on time, public health officials say.

The disease watchers at Oregon Health Services put it this way in their newsletter for doctors and nurses:

"Now that consultations for third-degree sunburn and epidemic summer vomiting disease are dwindling, our thoughts turn toward the unique pestilences associated with the coming winter season."

State epidemiologists say the 2002-03 flu season shouldn't be much different than the last two seasons, barring the appearance of a late mutant strain of the influenza virus.

The two main manufacturers of flu vaccine, Aventis Pasteur and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, have begun shipping vaccine and don't expect the delays of recent years. Federal health officials estimate 94 million doses will be shipped this year.

Lane County Public Health has ordered 4,500 doses, and expects to begin receiving them sometime next week, said senior stores clerk Pat Dotson.

Public flu shot clinics begin at the end of October.

One new wrinkle to this year's flu season: For the first time, parents are being urged to get babies and toddlers vaccinated. That's because health officials suspect young children are likely to be hospitalized with flu complications as often as elderly people.

Unlike adults, who need just one shot a year, young children getting inoculated for the first time require two doses, one month apart. That applies to any child under age 9 who's getting his or her first flu shot.

Local public health officials are encouraging parents to take children to the family doctor or pediatrician for their first-ever inoculation.

They recommend that people at increased risk for flu-related complications get vaccinated in late October or early November.

Increased-risk groups include:

People 65 and older.

Residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities.

People with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, including asthma.

People with chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease and HIV.

Children under 19 who are on long-term aspirin therapy.

Pregnant women in the second or third trimester.

Healthy children 6 months to 23 months old.

Health care workers, including employees and volunteers.

People living with infants under 6 months, who are too young to get vaccinated.

2003 FLU SHOT CLINICS

Cost: Flu shots are $15; pneumonia vaccine is available for $18 per shot. Fees are payable at the time of the shot. Medicare recipients must bring their Medicare cards so clinic officials can bill for the shots.

Information: Call Lane County Public Health at 682-4013 or the Flu Line at 682-4181 for the latest flu clinic updates.

Wednesday, Oct. 30: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.

Monday, Nov. 4: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wheeler Pavilion, Lane County Fairgrounds, 796 W. 13th Ave., Eugene.

Wednesday, Nov. 6: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Friday, Nov. 8: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., St. Helen Church, 1350 W. Sixth Ave., Junction City.

Friday, Nov. 8: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Veneta Community Center, 25192 E. Broadway.

Wednesday, Nov. 13: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Thursday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. to noon, Oakridge Nazarene Church, 48187 Highway 58, Oak Ridge.

Friday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m. to noon, Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs.

Monday, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wheeler Pavilion, Lane County Fairgrounds, 796 W. 13th Ave., Eugene.

Wednesday, Nov. 20: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Thursday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Campbell Senior Center, 155 High St., Eugene.

Friday, Nov. 22: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Willamalane Senior Center, 215 C St., Springfield.

Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Wednesday, Dec. 4: 8 a.m. to noon, Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St.

Wednesday, Dec. 4: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Wednesday, Dec. 11: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

Wednesday, Dec. 18 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lane County Public Health, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

- Lane County Public Health

CAPTION(S):

INSIDE Where flu shot clinics are going to be held / 2B