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Health officials prepare for flu season

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Health officials are preparing for a flu season that could bring both the seasonal flu and the swine flu.

Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control identified five groups who should receive the swine flu vaccine once it becomes available. Pregnant women, caregivers and family of those under six months old, emergency medical personnel, people six months to 24 years old, and those 24 to 65 years old with chronic medical conditions should be vaccinated against the swine flu.

Douglas County Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour says the swine flu vaccine should be available in mid to late October. She hopes the seasonal flu vaccine will be available in September so everyone can be vaccinated early. It'll take three vaccinations to be protected from both the seasonal flu and the swine flu.