By Alabama Public Radio
Atlanta, GA – Even if it starts early, the flu season is still about two months away. But that has not kept the federal government from warning Americans to begin preparing now. The Centers for Disease Control began urging parents today to start making appointments to get their children vaccinated. Flu shots are expected to be available in October, and health officials say children should be protected by the time flu season starts. The season can start as early as October, but that's atypical. It usually begins in mid-December and lasts through March. Federal health workers also say they hope to avoid a similar occurrence of last season's flu shot shortages. Manufacturers have already increased this year's supply to 100 million doses. That's the most flu vaccine made in recent years.