FARMINGTON – Franklin Community Health Network is reminding residents that it 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 hotline number is 779-3147.

The following message is a sample of the type of recording callers may hear:

“You have reached the Franklin Community Health Network Flu Hotline. This message was recorded on Oct. 16. We expect a complete supply of flu vaccine this season. Physician offices that are part of Franklin Community Health Network began immunizing their patients on Oct. 15. Remember, there are several things you can do to stay healthy: wash your hands often; cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve; and stay home if you are ill.”

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

People at high risk for complications from the flu, including children age 6 months to age 5; pregnant women; people age 50 and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; and people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than age 6 months; and healthcare workers.

“Last year over 150 calls were received by the flu hotline in October and November alone,” 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. 6, influenza activity was reported as sporadic in seven states, Oregon, California, Utah, Florida, Louisiana, Indiana and New York. Most states, including Maine, reported no influenza activity.

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