Byline: Tim Christie The Register-Guard

Residents of Oakridge, Cottage Grove and other outlying communities who want a flu shot will either have to travel to Eugene or find another source for their vaccine.

That's because for the first time in decades, Lane County Public Health

Budget cuts to the county's Public Health services, including a 25 percent reduction in communicable disease nursing staff, forced the agency to pull back on its outreach efforts, nursing supervisor Betsy Meredith said Monday.

"We have to cut back on many of the things that we do," Meredith said. "We don't have the funding or staffing to do that."

Lane County Public Health will offer weekly adult flu-shot clinics each Friday in October, starting Oct. 3, at its offices in downtown Eugene.

People seeking flu shots do have other options, notably pharmacies and doctors' offices, Meredith said.

"But we know we are a good safety net clinic, and we deeply regret we can't go out to outlying communities that don't have as many options."

Lane County government has been forced to make deep cuts this year, including 8 percent of the county work force, stemming from a loss of federal timber payments.

Public Health already has received the season's first shipment of influenza vaccine. Meredith urged people to get vaccinated in October.

Not only people in high-risk populations but people who are seemingly healthy but who could expose others at work, home or in the community, should be vaccinated, she said.

"Getting your flu shot is good for your health but it is also very important in helping to protect the health of others in the community," Meredith said.

High-risk groups include anyone over age 50, especially those with health problems; residents of long-term care facilities; any person six months or older with certain chronic medical conditions; pregnant women; health care personnel; household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children from birth to up to 5 years of age; and children ages six months to 5 years.

Parents of young children are encouraged to have them vaccinated at their medical provider's office or by appointment at Lane County Public Health at 135 E. Sixth Avenue in Eugene.

Influenza sickens 5 to 20 percent of the population each year and kills about 36,000 nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

FLU SHOT CLINICS

Lane County Public Health will offer flu shot clinics each Friday in October, starting Oct. 3.

The clinics are at the public health building, 135 E. Sixth Ave. Parking is limited and people should bring money for parking.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Adult flu shots are $25. Pneumonia shots are $42 and available to people 65 and older who have never had one. Public Health can bill the Oregon Health Plan and most primary Medicare insurance.

Children's flu vaccinations are available by appointment by calling 682-4041.

Information: Call the Flu Line at 682-4181 or visit www.lanecounty.org.