People used to receiving flu shots in early fall are likely to have to wait until November this year.

Like their counterparts throughout the nation, Stanislaus and Merced county health departments will delay the start of flu shot clinics because it's possible this year's vaccine won't be ready for shipment on time.

San Joaquin County officials haven't firmed up their flu shot schedule yet, preferring to wait for the state Health Department to say when counties will receive their shares of the vaccine.

In Tuolumne County, health officials are committed to offering flu shots at a countywide health fair scheduled for Oct. 17-18 at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Tuolumne officials hope to get a supply of vaccine by then.

"Unfortunately, no one knows when they'll receive the vaccine," said Kathy Amos, immunization coordinator for Tuolumne County.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month recommended that organizations planning mass influenza shots wait until early November to assure that vaccine will be on hand. Typically, flu shots are offered in late September or early October.

CDC officials gave two reasons for the slow distribution of the vaccine: a problem growing a specific influenza strain and action taken by federal the Food and Drug Administration against two vaccine manufacturers.

The CDC officials said manufacturers are finding it more difficult than expected to grow the A-Panama strain of the vaccine. A-Panama and A-New Caledonia are two new influenza Type A strains that were recommended for inclusion in this year's vaccine.

Also, the FDA ordered renovations at the plants of two of the four suppliers that make the vaccine. It will take time for the plants to complete those changes, according to the CDC, and for the FDA to inspect the plants.

Although the amount of vaccine available nationwide won't be known for a couple of months, Stanislaus County Health Services Agency spokesman David Jones said officials have assured the county it will receive enough to hold flu shot clinics, scheduled to start Nov. 1.

These low-cost clinics are for people 50 and older and people with weakened immune systems. In late November, the Health Services Agency is likely to hold another round of flu shot clinics for the rest of the population.

"Our primary focus is seniors and at-risk individuals in the community," Jones said.

Other organizations offering flu shots aren't sure if their clinics will take place.

Memorial Medical Center's health center in Modesto may postpone or cancel its flu shots for seniors with certain insurance plans, depending on when it receives the vaccine. Kaiser, which usually gives flu shots to members in October, will delay its clinics until mid-November.

People who receive flu shots at their doctors' offices should call and ask when the offices expect to receive vaccine shipments. Schedule appointments soon, Jones said.

"It's better to plan ahead and make an appointment," Jones said.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency plans to start flu shot clinics on Nov. 1. Call 558-8872 for times and locations.

The Merced County Health Department plans to start flu shot clinics on Nov. 16. Call 381-1010 for more information.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.