On Oct 6, announcements were made throughout the country that the flu vaccine ordered by United States health officials from Chiron, was contaminated. As a result an estimated 54 million doses are available, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Lake County officials confirm there is a significant shortage of the vaccine in the area. The health department issued a release last Thursday urging health care providers to mandate vaccine prioritization among private providers. Healthy individuals are encouraged to allow the very young and seniors to receive shots as needed.

The health department is putting their senior citizen's flu clinic schedule on hold and ask that health care providers prioritize vaccine supplies for those most at risk of complications.

The following guidelines provided by the CDC outlines priorities for individuals who could experience severe illness or death without a vaccine.

All children aged 6-23 months

Adults over 65 years

Persons aged two to 64 years old with underlying chronic medical conditions

All women who will be pregnant during influenza season

Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

Children six to 18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy

Health-care workers with direct patient care.

The Lake County Health Department still has a few doses of Vaccines For Children (VFC) a national immunization program, with different prioritizations from the general flu vaccine.

The prioritization for VFC flu vaccine is:

Highest priorities are children 36 months to 18 years old with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza. Second priorities are all children six to 35 months of age.

The CDC guidelines state children who have received flu shots in years past, need only one dose this year. The CDC requests that second doses NOT be set aside at this point, so a greater number of children can receive a priming dose.

Registered Nurse Brigid O'Connor with the Lake County Health Department says the best cure is a good defense.

"Simple etiquette is the best plan," said O'Connor. "Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough. If you are sick don't go to work or day care. If you see people getting ill don't hang out with them. If you get sick take immune boosters like vitamin C or Echinacea and drink lots of water. Make sure you are hydrated and get lots of rest."