Health Officials Urge People To Get Flu Vaccines Early

Health departments across the Ohio Valley are preparing early for the flu vaccine this year, and officials said the threat of the swine flu isn't over.

Doctors said they're getting the word out about flu shots early because the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, outbreak last year proved that the flu can strike without warning.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department scheduled its first flu shot clinic for Sept. 9, and officials said people may start to see the same early trend at doctors' offices around the valley.

Last year, most seasonal flu and swine flu vaccination clinics started administering vaccines in mid-fall, and vaccines were offered first to certain sections of the local population.

This year, the health department is recommending that anyone older than 6 months get vaccinated. In addition, the seasonal flu shot will also include the swine flu vaccine, so doctors said people should only need one shot to be protected against both strains of the flu.

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The county health director said getting the vaccine earlier in the year shouldn't leave people vulnerable next year.

"I think it lasts a good 8 or 9 months. Because it used to be, 'Let's wait until maybe November and give it then. Now, the philosophy is if we had a vaccine today, I would take it today," said Dr. William Mercer of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department.

With children going back to school soon, Mercer said it's especially important for parents to get their kids vaccinated. The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department has already received a shipment of the vaccine and officials said they do not expect there to be any type of shortage this year.