Three months after they were asked to hold off on giving flu shots, health departments in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and foothills are now scheduling flu-shot clinics.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in July recommended that organizations planning mass flu shots wait until November to ensure that vaccine would be on hand. Typically, flu shots are offered in late September or October.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency will begin holding clinics Nov. 1 for people 60 and older and people with weakened immune systems. Clinics for the rest of the population will begin Nov. 15. Call 558-8872.

In San Joaquin County, flu-shot clinics in Escalon, Manteca and Ripon will begin Nov. 14. Call 468-3481.

In Merced County, clinics will begin in mid-November. Call 381-1022.

In Tuolumne County, officials hope to receive their share of the vaccine before a health fair, set for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. If they don't get it in time, the flu-shot clinics will be rescheduled. Call 533-7400.

Flu shots are generally recommended for people 60 and older and people with chronic illness.

-- Kerry McCray

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.