"Our supplier

has informed us that follow-up shipments should begin within the next

two to three weeks," she added. The county may receive as much as

60 percent of its total order by the end of October, she said

Because of

the delays, vaccine will be given to those at highest risk first, said

Grant. "Last year, the citizens of Fayette County did an excellent

job of calling in to ask questions, and waiting until later in the season

if they did not fall into a high-risk category. We must call upon you

to do the same this year," she said.

"It is

important that people at high risk of serious complications from flu or

those who take care of these high-risk people and can spread infection

to them are first to get the available vaccine," she added.

You are considered

"high-risk" if you:

Are 65 or

older.

Have a chronic

medical condition (regardless of your age) such as: asthma or other lung

disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or blood disease.

Have immune

system problems caused either by disease (e.g. HIV infection or lymphoma)

or by medication (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation therapy).

Are a woman

who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season

(November-April).

Are a child

or teen (6 months to 18 years) who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Live or work

in a nursing home or other chronic care facility.

Are a health

care worker in a hospital, emergency, outpatient, or nursing home setting.

Are a health

care worker who delivers care to high-risk patients in their homes.

Influenza vaccine

can be given through December. "If, when you call or come in you

are told that we are temporarily out of vaccine, please know that other

shipments are soon to follow, and that you should call back within a week

to see if the next shipment has arrived," said Grant.

She said the

department will attempt to keep an updated message on its answering machine

regarding flu vaccine status. For information phone 770-461-1178, extension

5416.