Flu vaccine now
advised from age 50

Adults aged 50 to 64 and caregivers of high-risk patients are now included in the priority group urged to get flu shots by the state Department of Health.

"There's still time for those most at risk to get their flu shot. Flu activity in Hawaii is currently increasing and may not have reached its peak," said state Health Director Chiyome Fukino.

She said physicians are urged to continue to vaccinate their patients in priority groups and order more vaccine if needed.

The Health Department lowered the age from 65 to 50 for people in the priority group to receive flu vaccine, and included all people in contact with high-risk groups and out-of-home caregivers.

Priority groups for vaccine originally included adults age 65 and older, children 6 to 23 months, people ages 2 to 64 with chronic medical conditions and women who will be pregnant during influenza season.

Doctors can purchase flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information is available by calling (800) VACCINE.

People in a priority group needing a flu shot should call their doctor or 211 for assistance.