Flu vaccines have arrived at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, where nurse DeeAnne Schoenfeld looks over a shipment. Manufacturers are producing a record 130 million doses, and flu shots are not expected to be in short supply this year.

Ahhh, autumn. Colorful leaves, cooler weather, football and dreaded flu shots.

While the first three are usually plentiful, that hasn’t always been the case with flu vaccinations. In 2004 and 2005, there were supply shortages nationwide and in Douglas County. While an abundance of vaccines was produced last year, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and some area doctors ran out of the vaccine at times because of shipment delays.

“Last year, it was unfortunate that we had to cancel some of the (flu) clinics. It was just one of those things with the distribution, and we don’t have control over that,” said Barbara Schnitker, director of nurses for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

Last year, the health department administered only 4,490 flu shots compared to 7,168 in 2005 because its biggest shipment didn’t arrive until late November. Schnitker assumes residents went elsewhere to get their annual flu shot.

But things are looking up this year. Manufacturers are producing a record 130 million doses, and shipments already have arrived at the Lawrence health department, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Kansas University’s Watkins Memorial Health Center.

“It appears this year that supplies are going to be plentiful,” Schnitker said.

Flu season can range from October to May, but its peak generally is in January and February. The best time to get vaccinated is October and November, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lawrence health professionals encourage everyone to get a vaccination to prevent getting influenza, a contagious respiratory illness that annually hospitalizes more than 200,000 people and kills about 36,000 in the United States. Some symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and nausea.

“It not only protects people and keeps them in school and keeps them in the work force but also protects people who they come in contact with,” Schnitker said.

The health department will offer a community flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2206 E. 23rd St. Flu shots cost $23 for adults and $18 for children ages 6 months to 3 years old. No one will be denied the shots because of inability to pay. The department will offer about 20 community flu shot clinics but is still working on a schedule.

KU will have its first flu clinic for students, faculty, staff and retirees on Oct. 23 at Watkins Memorial Health Center. It will offer flu shots for those 18 and older for $15. The nasal FluMist vaccine will be available for those ages 5 to 49, but a price has yet to be determined. Last year, the cost was $28. KU plans to provide other clinics across campus through November.