New flu shot guidelines

LEBANON, Ohio - The Centers for Disease Control has changed its guidelines on who should get the flu vaccine. The CDC now recommends everyone 6 months and older receive the vaccination and no age group is a priority.

Health departments, pharmacies and doctors offices are beginning to receive doses in the shot and mist form.

The new vaccine includes protection from the H1N1 virus. There is no particular priority group because 18-49 year olds, who were once not the priority, are at higher risk for H1N1.

The Warren County Health Department has received its first shipment of 50 doses and more are on the way later this week. The department expects to begin giving the vaccine in the middle of September.

Warren County's Director of nursing, Lori Smyth, does not expect huge crowds at clinics like last year as people rushed for the H1N1 vaccine. She said enough vaccine should be available for everyone through their doctor, pharmacy or a health department.

"We might see lines a little longer at first but we have to remember the flu shot is coming out earlier than usual too," said Smyth. "There are places that already have the flu vaccine that are able to take this increased age group so I don't think it's going to be a problem and the flu vaccine seems to be readily available," she said.

There is also a stronger dose of the vaccine available for people who are 65 and older.

Health officials said if children only received one dose of the H1N1 vaccine last year they will need two doses of the seasonal vaccine this year. They should be given one month apart.

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