Unlike in years past, Vicksburg area residents should have little trouble getting vaccinations against influenza this year.

In past years, the supply of vaccine for flu was short and people had to scramble to find clinics with a supply. That is not the situation this year.

Both Mission Primary Care Clinic on Mission 66 and River Region Medical System clinics on McAuley Drive and U.S. 61 North have received supplies of this year’s vaccines and expect more.

The Warren County Health Department has not received a supply of the vaccine and does not know when it will.

&#8220I don’t anticipate any trouble with supply,” said Bill Fulcher, administrator at Mission Primary Care.

&#8220People should contact their physicians’ offices to arrange for vaccine,” said Diane Gawronski, spokesman for River Region.

The Mississippi Department of Health will administer flu and pneumonia vaccines to senior citizens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Mississippi State Fair at the front entrance to the Coliseum. The administrative fee for the flu shot is $27 and $40 for pneumonia. To avoid the fees, senior citizens should bring their Medicaid or Medicare cards.

The Centers for Disease Control say October and November are prime months for innoculations.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

Every year in the United States, on average: