FARMINGTON – Franklin Community Health Network has an influenza (flu) hotline for Greater Franklin County. 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 number is 779-3147.

To ensure that those who are at highest risk of complications from influenza have access to the vaccine, the CDC recommends that the following people in priority groups receive the flu shot first, when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed:

People of any age with chronic health conditions, people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, people age 50 and older, children ages 6 months until their 5th birthday, pregnant women.

Also, household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age and healthcare workers.

Nearly 300 calls were received by the flu hotline last year in the first three months it was established,” said Jill Gray, network community relations manager. “It is expected that the flu hotline will be heavily used again this flu season, and updates will be incorporated as they become available.”

According to the CDC, as of Oct. 7, influenza activity was reported as local in two states, Hawaii and Louisiana, and sporadic in five states, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida and West Virginia. Most states, including Maine, reported no influenza activity.

For additional information on influenza and how to stay healthy during the flu season, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu.