FARMINGTON – Franklin Community Health Network has established an influenza hot line for the Greater Franklin County community. The recorded hotline offers information about influenza prevention, local flu vaccine availability, public flu shot clinics and recipient priorities as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. The hot-line number is 779-3147.

Example messages callers will hear includes the number of available doses and the times and places where high-risk individuals may receive the vaccine. It continues to warn callers that until they are able to get a flu shot there are several things they can do to stay healthy: wash hands often; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve; and stay home if they are ill.

To ensure that those who are at highest risk of complications from influenza have access to vaccine this season, the CDC recommends that the following people in priority groups receive the “flu shot” first through Oct. 24:

People aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions; residents of long-term care facilities; people age 2 to 64 years with chronic health conditions; children age 6 to 23 months; pregnant women; health-care personnel who provide direct patient care; and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.

Beginning Oct. 24, all persons can get a flu shot. Updates on the hot line will be incorporated as they become available.

For more information on influenza and how to stay healthy during the flu season, people can visit the Web at www.fchn.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/flu.