More doses than ever of influenza vaccine will be available this fall. Some vaccine has already arrived in Washington and shipments will continue in the coming weeks. The challenge is to use it all, and everyone can do their part by getting vaccinated.

Flu immunization rates are very low for young children aged 6-23 months (about 16 percent). Adults get vaccinated at a higher rate - 74 percent for adults in Washington over age 65, slightly above the national average. National data show that just 42 percent of physicians and other health care workers get vaccinated even though the vaccine helps protect them and their patients.

Every year an average of 36,000 people in the United States die from flu-related illness and more than 226,000 people are hospitalized.

"The best way to avoid flu is to get vaccinated each year," says Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "Getting an influenza vaccine will protect you, your family, and friends."

In past years influenza vaccine was recommended for all kids under 5 because they can become very ill from the virus. This year the vaccine is recommended for all kids 6 months to 18 years, expanding vaccination to all school-age children. This population catches influenza at higher rates even though they don't get as sick as younger kids.

Everyone can benefit from an annual flu vaccine, and for many people, it's crucial. This includes young children, pregnant women, anyone over age 50, and people of any age with a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities and people living with or caring for a high-risk person, including health care providers, should also be vaccinated.

The Department of Health provides flu vaccine for children under 19 who are high risk, are household contacts of a high-risk person, and any child who wishes to be protected against influenza. The agency has ordered more than 435,000 doses - a record order for the state. This supply includes flu shots as well as a small supply of nasal spray vaccine. Local providers will receive shipments over the next several weeks. The state vaccine is provided to the patient at no cost; however, health care providers usually charge an office visit or administration fee. Adults should consult with their insurance carriers to check on coverage for flu vaccine.

People are urged to use their regular health care providers for immunizations.

For help finding an immunization clinic, call the Family Healthy Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, or your local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm). Adults can also check the American Lung Association Flu Shot Locator (http://flucliniclocator.org). The Department of Health Flu News Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/) provides additional information on flu vaccine.