Texas health officials say flu vaccine now available

AUSTIN, TX -- Health experts say flu vaccine is now available in Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services on Wednesday encouraged people to get vaccinated. Thursday is Texas Influenza Awareness Day.

An agency statement says the flu vaccine is formulated annually to match viruses that researchers think will be circulating.

Changes in the flu virus caused last year's vaccine to be less effective. The strain that caused most of the illness last year is incorporated into this season's vaccine. Researchers expect it to be much more effective.

Medical authorities say everyone age 6 months and older should get vaccinated. People age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions - including asthma, diabetes, and heart and lung disease - are more susceptible to flu.