It’s time to prepare for flu season, and the experts are saying that those who hope to escape infection will have to approach this goal with patience and determination.

Vaccine may be in short supply through much of October. And those who usually find themselves directed to the front of the line for seasonal flu shots might find themselves waiting for a swine flu shot ”“ those over 65 apparently aren’t at high risk for the H1N1 strain.

Swine flu vaccinations began in several states this week, and the Maine Center for Disease Control expects the state will receive its first allocation of H1N1 vaccine by the end of the week. Meanwhile, vaccinations for seasonal flu are already underway, but it is said vaccine supplies are still low, and opportunities may be scarce until November.

Getting vaccinated early strikes us as a sound strategy, along with following the widely posted guidelines for hand-washing, sneezing and sick leave. But getting both flu shots may take persistence.

As in the past, the elderly will be encouraged to line up early for seasonal flu vaccinations. But since swine flu is considered more dangerous for the young, the H1N1 vaccine will initially be distributed to young children and their adult caregivers. Other priority groups are pregnant women, those between 25 and 65 with health problems and health care workers.

Despite these complications, it’s not too soon to look for a convenient clinic. Flu activity has been on the rise in Maine since mid-September, with higher than expected hospitalizations. Nationally, flu levels are elevated as well.

Many primary care doctors are already being swamped with calls from patients seeking vaccinations, according to the New York Times. The newspaper said physicians are concerned that the quick onset of the flu season and the slow arrival of vaccine is shaping up as a logistical problem.

Health authorities and providers have been preparing for months. By the time flu season is fully underway, they say they are confident that there will be enough of both vaccines for all.

But those who are motivated to avoid illness should add some more guidelines to the lists published by health authorities. Keep an eye out for flu clinics, check your eligibility before getting in line, and keep track of which vaccination you have received.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.