The DeKalb County Health Department sponsored its third and final flu vaccination clinic of the year Tuesday for residents of the DeKalb County area.

The event, held at the health department at 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road, took place from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

About 250 citizens turned out for the event, whose main goal was to provide relief for residents still in need of a flu vaccine, said Jane Lux, director of Personal Health Services at the health department.

Due to regulations imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help maintain stockpiles, only high-risk citizens now can receive shots.

“I think it’s a great idea to set up clinics like these,” said Irene Lezatte, a visiting Downer’s Grove resident. “It was a horrible thing there was a shortage in the first place.”

Flu vaccines are in short supply in the United States this year after the government lost about 50 million doses earlier in the season. Drug maker Chiron Corp. was prohibited from shipping its vaccines on Oct. 5 after they were found to be contaminated.

Officials predict this year’s flu season will cost businesses $20 billion in lost productivity, double the normal amount.

Here in DeKalb, health department personnel are acknowledging the shortage but are confident in their remaining supply.

“We received approximately 1,000 doses each in our first two shipments,” Lux said. “We are going to evaluate our supply at the end of the week.”

Although the health department is booked with appointments for shots through the rest of the week, Lux also suggested those still looking for shots try their private physicians and the NIU Health Service. The department also has set up a phone number to check vaccine supplies, which can be reached at 748-2410.

“I think it’s a good idea for older people to get shots,” said senior English major Joe Troesch. “Plus, for the ones that do get shots, they’re not even 100-percent effective, so the public panic’s for nothing.”

Criteria for flu shots from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention:

– All children age 6 to 23 months

– Adults age 65 and older

– Persons age 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions

– All women who will be pregnant during influenza season

– Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

– Children 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy

– Health care workers with direct patient care

– Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months