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UTAH COUNTY -- Health officials are hoping all the talk about swine flu won't overshadow the importance of seasonal flu shots.
Utah County Health Department spokesperson Lance Madigan says they're receiving shipments of the seasonal flu shots, and people can start coming in to get them now.
"This year we've got the extra challenge of having H1N1, so we are going to be looking at getting multiple vaccines at different times," said Madigan. "We don't want people to wait and have a vaccine shortage or have some sort of issues with distribution. We do kind of suspect there is going to be an increased interest in flu vaccination in general this year."
Madigan says it would simply be easier for everyone if they planned on getting their regular flu shot now before the seasonal flu strain starts to pick up steam. That typically happens in September and then gains momentum until it peaks around January or February.
The federal government has indicated the first batches of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine could start arriving for public distribution in October. But that is uncertain, and those doses will most likely start off with a limited supply.
"It's important to realize that the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from seasonal flu, nor will the seasonal flu shot protect you from H1N1. You've got to get both," said Madigan.
He also points out since the H1N1 shot likely will need a booster, people will need a total of three shots to be protected from both the seasonal and swine flu.
For information on where to get your season flu shots, which are being given or soon will be given out at locations around the state, contact your personal health care provider or CLICK HERE.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
