There was a vaccine shortage in 2004 and distribution problems last year, with many not getting flu shots as early as they wanted.
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Free flu shots will be available statewide beginning Oct. 30.
Private doctors and clinics also should have adequate supplies, health authorities said.
“The single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are safe, effective and cannot cause the flu,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Crutcher said Wednesday.
300,000 doses were ordered by the state Health Department, and clinics start at month’s end at all county health departments. The health clinic shots are free.
As many as 500 Oklahomans die every year from flu complications, Crutcher said.
The state spent $2.4 million for flu vaccine this year. Federal Medicare reimbursements will be sought to help offset the cost, health authorities said.
Private vaccine supplies also should be available from doctors, pharmacies and organizations such as the Visiting Nurses Association, with the shot ranging in price from $15 to $25, authorities said.
Many of those sources already have begun to provide flu shots.
Some of the state’s supply of vaccine will be distributed to private physicians who participate in the “Vaccines for Children” program.
It provides free flu shots to doctors who serve children up to age 18 who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indians or are Medicaid recipients.
After a shot, it takes 10 to 14 days for full protection against influenza. Flu usually peaks in January and February, health officials said.
The spread of flu is unpredictable from year to year, public health authorities said. The 2005-2006 flu season in Oklahoma was considered less intense than previous seasons, but it persisted into May.
The prescription medications amantadine, rimantadine, Tamiflu and Relenza are available for flu treatment.
If taken within two days of getting sick, these drugs can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the recovery time. The drugs also make people less contagious to others.
Some county health departments will offer a nasal-spray vaccine as an option for healthy people ages 5 to 49 who are not pregnant, health authorities said.
The Tulsa City-County Health Department will offer nasal vaccines when its flu clinic starts Nov. 6.
The mist fully immunizes within three to four days, and was manufactured for people reluctant to take flu shots.
This year’s vaccine includes protection against one influenza type B virus and two influenza type A viruses.
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Flu season
Oklahoma’s influenza season typically begins in November and usually into March and April. The 2005-2006 season in Oklahoma was considered less intense than previous seasons but lasted into May.
Vaccination
Because influenza viruses are continuously changing, each year the flu vaccine must be reformulated.
This upcoming “flu season,” vaccine manufacturers say they believe there will be an ample supply; they are producing about 100 million doses.
Most Oklahomans are urged to get a flu shot every year, especially senior citizens and individuals with chronic health problems.
Flu shots are free at county health departments. Private prices are about $25.
Symptoms
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, sore throat and achiness.
Deaths
Nationally, about 36,000 individuals die each year from influenza.
About 400 to 500 deaths occur annually in Oklahoma from influenza complications.
How to avoid contracting or spreading influenza
Get vaccinated each fall. It is the best way to prevent the flu.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often are spread when individuals touch something that is contaminated with germs and then they touch their eyes, nose or mouth and germs can spread.
Clean your hands often.
These Oklahomans should get flu shots
People ages 2 to 64 with chronic health problems.
People ages 50 and older, with or without chronic health conditions.
Children ages 6 months to 59 months.
Pregnant women.
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care centers.
Health care personnel who provide direct patient care.
Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 6 months or younger.
Source: Oklahoma Health Department
Oklahoma State Dept. of Health: Flu facts 
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