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Kokua Line
Question: I need to get a flu shot as soon as possible and my doctor doesn't have any vaccine. Where can I get a shot? Flu shots in short
supply worldwideAnswer: Unfortunately, there is a worldwide shortage of a flu vaccine this year.
The best you can do for now is to "get an appointment with your doctor so that when your doctor has the flu vaccine, you will be able to get that shot and get protected," said Judy Strait-Jones, of the state Department of Health's Hawaii Immunization Program.
In the meantime, you can find out more about the flu vaccine at the Hawaii Senior Fair, which runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Blaisdell exhibition hall.
Pneumonia (not flu) shots will be offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday and Saturday, at the fair by Castle Community Care.
It is expected that the flu vaccine will become available by the end of October, Strait-Jones said. In anticipation of that, flu shots will be offered by Castle Community Care beginning Nov. 1 at Longs, Safeway and Times branches.
Details will follow.
Manufacturing problems, as well as a problem growing a strain of the virus needed for the vaccine, has caused the vaccine shortage.
Flu shots are recommended for those considered at risk of getting complications from the flu. Among those at high risk are children receiving a flu vaccination for the first time; women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy; adults 65 or older; residents of nursing homes; and anyone with chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney or blood disease, or immune system problems.
For more information, call the Hawaii Immunization Program at 586-8332.
Q: Why did the city quit ticketing cars parked in Kapiolani Park on Kalakaua Avenue? Around the Labor Day weekend, people were parking for four days without getting any ticket. Is this a new policy? No one can find an answer. Can you?
A: If the meters were expired, the cars would have been ticketed, said Honolulu police Sgt. Gene Kalua, of the Specialized Services Division, parks detail.
There is no "new policy" to stop ticketing, he said.
The Kapiolani Park area is checked regularly by officers in his division. Because it was a holiday weekend, officers knew the park would be crowded and were more alert to such violations, he said.
Specifically on Labor Day, beat officers checked at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and found all the meters were fed.
Any law enforcement officer, including "meter maids" who now fall under HPD, can issue citations, Kalua said.
Auwe
To four women who stiffed Haleiwa Joe's at Haiku on Saturday, Aug. 26, for the cost of five drinks. When the bar bill was not transferred to your dinner bill, you didn't call it to the table attendant's attention. No class -- A Fellow Patron
Mahalo
To the kind person who turned in the blue necktie to Sears on Sept. 2. -- Grateful Senior Citizen
Auwe
Reckless?! Yes, to the driver of a red Subaru who ignored the "No left turn" sign on 4th Avenue on Monday, Aug. 28. You crossed Waialae Avenue, turning left into the right lane in the opposite direction at about 7 a.m., then turning right into St. Louis School. Where are the cops when you need them? -- No name
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com