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DOVER-FOXCROFT - Influenza vaccine delivery is expected to be delayed by the manufacturers again this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, physician practices in the Penquis region affiliated with Mayo Regional Hospital are not expected to offer flu shot clinics until mid-November, at the earliest. Influenza vaccination typically peaks in October or early November, even though influenza disease peaks between December and March. In 15 of the last 19 years, peak activity occurred between January and March, indicating that vaccinations given throughout November and in December and even later is effective in most influenza seasons. The CDC recommends prioritizing vaccine available early in the flu season to those at highest risk of complications from influenza illness. Those include people 65 years of age or older, and those under 65 with chronic illness, including heart and lung diseases and diabetes. |