Theresa Chagoya, spokeswoman for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, said flu vaccine is available now for high-risk individuals. For others, the vaccine will be available by Oct. 24.

"We received the vaccine and started providing shots in senior centers, as well as the public health department immunization clinics as of Oct. 3," Chagoya said.

"While flu season typically begins in January," she added, "we encourage people to get vaccinated now because it takes awhile to gain immunity from the vaccine."

Chagoya also said that last year toward the end of the flu season, researchers identified a new strain of flu, A/California, that was traced back to Santa Clara County. The health department wants to protect the public from contracting it and has incorporated the strain into the vaccine being administered this year.

She said the health department is expecting it to be a normal flu season, but people should still take such precautions as washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes with tissues. And last year's vaccine shortages should not be a problem either, because in addition to Chiron--the sole vaccine provider last year--two more companies are manufacturing the vaccine.

Chagoya said high-risk individuals will continue to receive priority treatment.

Those at high risk include adults 65 and over, children 23 months to age 6 and their caregivers, especially those caring for infants under 6 months. Others at risk are adults and children with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and pregnant women are also considered high risk, as are health- care workers involved with direct patient care.

Chagoya said those who don't meet the high-risk criteria also have the option of the flu mist, but this is limited to those between age 5 and 49.

Where to get flu shots

In Sunnyvale Long's Drugs Stores and some Safeway stores will be giving flu shots. Call to verify schedules because they can change or be cancelled.

Long's

*Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Long's at 576 E. El Camino Real, 408.739.4033 (It will also give shots on Nov. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Nov.17 from 10 a.m. to noon)

*Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Long's at 1165 W. El Camino Real, 408.732.0677

Safeway

*Nov. 4, 3 to 7 p.m., Safeway, 785 E El Camino Real, 408.481.3300

*Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Safeway at 1601 Hollenbeck Ave.,408.733.8251