State prepares
for flu season

Health officials say they have
ordered plenty of vaccine

The state Health Department says it is ready for this year's flu season, which is expected to hit the islands in November.

Flu poses a bigger threat to some State Health Department spokeswoman Laura Lott says those most at risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu include: >> Infants from 6 to 23 months old. >> Pregnant women. >> Those 50 years or older. >> People with chronic health problems. For more information, go to the Health Department's vaccination Web site at www.vaxhawaii.com.

Last year's flu season started in October, nearly a month ahead of schedule. By December, demand for flu vaccine in the islands exceeded supply.

"The department did order more vaccine than last year," said Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo. "There doesn't seem to be any indication that this year's flu season will start earlier. I believe we're on track."

Officials say October and November are the ideal months to get a flu shot. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu, including children and pregnant women, are encouraged to get the vaccine.

The flu season usually runs from Oct. 1 to May 20 in the islands, Okubo said.

Laura Lott, also a Health Department spokeswoman, said a two-week delay of vaccines distributed by California-based Chiron Corp. was not expected to affect the state's overall supply of the vaccine.

The company announced in late August that some of its doses were contaminated, and more testing was necessary before the remaining batches could be sent out. No tainted vaccines were released to the public.

The company's vaccines are expected to be released in early October. Health providers were expecting the shots in mid-September.

Chiron -- one of the nation's leading flu vaccine makers -- helps supply several Hawaii health care providers with the shots, including Straub Clinic & Hospital.

Hawaii Medical Service Association Senior Vice President Cliff Cisco said many of the insurance provider's affiliated clinics also use Chiron vaccines. Last year, he added, about 30,000 HMSA members got flu shots.

Lott said the state Health Department also uses Chiron's flu vaccines at free clinics around the islands.

She said delay of the vaccine should not deter residents from getting a flu shot, especially if they are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu.

"We don't want people to say, 'Well, we don't need it,'" Lott said. "Please be persistent in finding a vaccination. The main at-risk population still needs the flu shot."