Flu vaccine supplies
are plentiful for a change

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Star-Bulletin staff

Hawaii has plenty of flu vaccine this year after two years of delays and shortages and "we are certainly recommending that folks who need it go get it," said Judy Strait-Jones, Hawaii Immunization Program project director, state Health Department.

Residents can call 211 free from any island to find the closest place in their neighborhood to get shots.

Seniors 65 and older, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women at least in their third trimester and caregivers especially are urged to protect themselves against flu.

Those with chronic illnesses such as heart, lung and blood problems, diabetes and asthma, should see their doctor, Strait-Jones said.

The Hawaii Immunization Program also is "winding down and winding up" for school immunizations required for beginning seventh graders, Strait-Jones said.

A massive campaign was conducted to inform parents and "health aides, registrars and public health nurses did an excellent job beating the bushes, making sure kids" got their shots, Strait-Jones said.

"We're pretty delighted. It was a very successful campaign."

The immunization staff is gearing up now for the next school year, she said.

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State Health Department