County won’t get flu vaccine soon

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Morgan County residents may have to wait for this year’s influenza vaccine.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there is a delay in the vaccine shipment.
Morgan County Health Department expects to receive vaccine near the end of November. Health officials there said that’s still plenty of time to cover the majority of the flu season, which typically runs from November through March.
Most private health care facilities have vaccine available.
Public Health Departments throughout the state have only received about 17 percent of the ordered doses. Those doses went to Dale, Henry and Houston counties, where there are already reported influenza cases.
State officials said influenza doses will continue to be shipped to the department throughout November.
Those in high-risk categories – the elderly or those with chronic diseases – will be the first to receive the vaccines.
While residents wait on the vaccines to arrive, officials are advising people to use basic infection control measures, including covering your mouth when coughing and washing your hands frequently.