Region gearing up for flu season

SARATOGA COUNTY — Flu season is just starting, and flu vaccinations will soon become available to the public.

The county Public Health Nursing Service will be holding 16 flu vaccine clinics in communities around the county, starting later this month.

Other counties in the Capital Region will also be offering flu vaccinations through their public health departments, though details weren’t available Monday.

Early October is the beginning of flu season, according to federal health officials, though flu activity generally doesn’t peak until January or February.

New York is one is a handful of states reporting “sporadic” flu activity already, the federal Centers for Disease Control reported. Most states have had no flu cases.

The state had four reported cases the week of Oct. 4, all in the New York City area, said Claire Pospisil, a state Health Department spokeswoman.

There is a new recommendation this year from the CDC that all children under age 18 — not just small children and those with chronic health conditions — receive a flu shot.

Recent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control have shown the number of children who die from flu complications — while tiny — is growing. There were 73 child deaths from the flu nationwide in 2006-07, and a tentative total of 86 deaths last winter.

Each winter, the flu hospitalizes about 200,000 people in the United States, and 36,000 people die, most of them the elderly who develop pneumonia as a complication.

The federal government said a record 146 million doses of vaccine have been produced this year, meaning there should be enough supply to meet demand. While flu viruses are constantly evolving, health experts have designed vaccines they think will be effective against this year’s strains.

Vaccine is generally shipped to health care providers in October and November.

“Influenza vaccine supply is expected to be adequate for this season,” the county public health nurses said in a statement.

Everyone over age 50 or with a chronic condition, and women who are pregnant are also recommended to get vaccinated.

The county clinic series starts Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Malta Community Center, and continues through Nov. 19. If vaccine is left after that, addition clinics will be scheduled, or shots may be available at the county public health office in Saratoga Springs.

Appointments are required. Generally, appointments are made by calling the clinic location, but those planning to attend the Ballston Spa clinic should contact the county public health nurses directly at 584-7460.

The shots cost $15 for those who don’t have insurance or Medicare B.

Flu shots are also available from many private health care providers, and under a new state law, starting Dec. 4, licensed pharmacists who have received training will be able to give the shots.

Getting a shot early is recommended, but not required.

“Flu activity typically does not reach its peak in the U.S. until January or February. Getting the flu vaccine soon after it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season,” according to the Centers for Disease Control Web site.

A list of flu shot clinics in Saratoga County:

* Oct. 23, 9-11 a.m., Malta Community Center

* Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-noon, Moreau Senior Center; Oct. 27, 1-3 p.m., Saratoga Springs Senior Center

* Oct. 28, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Waterford Senior Center

* Oct. 30, 10-11:30 a.m., Day Town Hall, and 1:30-2:30 p.m., Edinburg Community Center

* Oct. 31, 9-11 a.m., Ballston Spa Senior Center

* Nov. 5, 9-11 a.m., Halfmoon Senior Center

* Nov. 6, 9-11 a.m., Greenfield Senior Center

* Nov. 7, 1-3:45 p.m., Wilton Town Hall

* Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m., Mechanicville Senior Center

* Nov. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Shenendehowa Senior Center, Clifton Park

* Nov. 17, 9-11 a.m., Saratoga town complex, Schuylerville