And while that may mean more people got the flu shot during the initial rush, it also means they got it somewhere other than the Health Department and its affiliates. Final shipments arrived at the agency in December. Dr. Mike Crutcher, state epidemiologist, said the department ordered 250,000 doses of vaccine in 2000. We thought we'd need more,'' he said. Crutcher said it is not too late to get protection from this year's flu.
Experts suggest inoculation for anyone at risk for complications from the virus.
That includes those older than 50, persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, and pregnant women in their second or third trimester. Flu season usually peaks in late January and early February in Oklahoma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported widespread flu activity in 12 states for the week ending Jan. 20. Only one of those states, Colorado, borders Oklahoma.