Modesto Bee Article

By Ken Carlson, Modesto Bee Staff Writer
last updated: December 15, 2008 11:03:54 PM

Stanislaus County health officials hope people spread cheer -- and not the flu bug -- this holiday season.

With 10 days until Christmas, the county's Health Services Agency is making another push for flu vaccinations to help prevent a repeat of the 2007-08 outbreaks.

Last year, Northern California had one of the worst flu seasons in 10 years. People with severe symptoms inundated hospitals in early January. The cases faded and then outbreaks returned in February and March, said Dr. John Walker, public health officer for Stanislaus County.

Officials blamed the widespread affliction on a low vaccination rate and vaccine that failed to cover one of the viral strains that made people sick.

Walker said there is an abundant vaccine supply this year, giving protection against three prevalent strains of influenza.

"We made a decision this year that we would really expand our vaccination plan," Walker said. "We are reminding county residents how important it is to get vaccinated even as late as January."

A new focus this fall was flu vaccinations for schoolchildren, based on evidence that it curbs transmission among families. In addition to flu shot clinics for senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals, the county Health Services Agency gave vaccinations at Orville Wright Elementary School in Modesto, Rio Altura School in Riverbank, Northmead School in Patterson and Von Renner Elementary School in Newman.

The county agency also spread the word that flu shots are recommended for children from 6 months to 18 years old.

The county is holding another flu shot clinic Thursday evening at the Health Services Agency complex on Scenic Drive in Modesto. Vaccinations are administered weekdays at the same location. Nasal mist and injections are available.

The public health vaccinations are mainly for people who meet income guidelines. People with private health insurance can ask their physician for a shot.

The Health Services Agency has given about 8,000 vaccinations this fall and still has 5,000 doses, Walker said. He also recommended that people age 55 and older consider a pneumonia vaccination, because pneumonia is the most frequent cause of flu-related deaths.

So far this year, sporadic cases of flu have been monitored in Northern California. Officials say the largest number of cases often is recorded in January or February.

Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@modbee.com or 578-2321.