RUMFORD – No flu vaccine clinics are planned at Rumford Hospital, Swift River Health Care or Elsemore Dixfield Center due to the shortage of vaccine in the United States.

The Maine Bureau of Health is closely monitoring the flu vaccine supply and has issued guidelines on receiving the vaccine this year. The hospital and its practices will follow guidelines by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when offering any flu vaccine they receive. Currently, the hospital, Swift River Health Care and Elsemore Dixfield Center are not accepting names for a list to obtain the vaccine in the future.

Gov. John Baldacci has announced a phased effort to provide the limited flu vaccine to those who need it the most. During the first phase, children ages 6 to 23 months, children 2 to 18 years with underlying medical conditions, and residents of long-term care facilities will be vaccinated. Adults with documented chronic health conditions and pregnant women are in the next tier of need, according to the state guidelines.

Also, officials remind people of the following ways to protect themselves from the flu and to limit its transmission:

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Dispose of tissues in a wastebasket.

• If you do get sick, stay at a distance from other people, so that you don’t expose them.

• If you must go out when ill, wear a mask.

More information about the flu vaccine guidelines may be obtained by calling Maine flu vaccine hot line toll-free at 1-888-257-0990 or by visiting www.MainePublicHealth.gov.

The Web site of the Centers for Disease Control is another good source of information at www.cdc.gov/flu.