The Fayette County Health Department is waiting to hear when it will receive its full shipment of flu vaccine, officials said.

Once the vaccine is available, the public will be notified of the schedule when flu vaccines will be offered, said County Nurse Manager Carolyn Callison.

Residents can call the health department with any inquiries at 770-461-1178, ext. 5416, Callison said.

With the flu vaccine shortage of two years ago due to a shortage of supply, last year the state of Georgia took over distribution of the vaccine to all county health departments.

The elderly are particularly encouraged to get a flu shot as they are susceptible to contracting pneumonia if they catch the flu virus, officials recommend.

People 65 years and older and residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities are urged to get the vaccine, as are women who will be more than three months pregnant during the flu season.

Flu vaccine is also recommended for people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys or with diabetes, immunosuppression or severe forms of anemia including children with asthma.

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