New Matamoras resident Cheryl Buck didn't get a seasonal flu vaccination this year, just as she hasn't in years past.

But the fact that the Washington County Health Department and some local doctors' offices have run out does have her concerned for a family member.

"I'd like for my grandson to get one," she said, noting that he has asthma.

The Marietta City Health Department, which only has vaccinations left for children ages 6 to 35 months, and the county department are advising people to check with their doctor or local pharmacies about the availability of flu shots. However, some pediatricians, like the one who cares for Buck's grandson, are out and many pharmacies won't administer the shots to children younger than 14.

On Monday, Washington County Health Commissioner Kathleen Meckstroth said her department still had adult flu vaccinations left and expected that supply to be depleted by Oct. 31.

But as of Thursday, all 3,000 doses the department had ordered were gone, and no additional shots are expected. Drive-thru flu shot clinics scheduled for Thursday in Belpre, Monday at the department and Oct. 22 at the Newport Volunteer Fire Department were canceled.

Meckstroth said parents who cannot get their children vaccinated should make sure the youngsters know to wash their hands and properly cover their mouths when sneezing. Children who do contract influenza should be kept home from school until their fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Vickie Kelly, director of nursing at the Marietta health department, said her agency has exhausted every avenue to acquire more flu shots.

"We've tried to get it from all five companies. We've tried to get it from the Ohio Health Department," she said. "We knew we were going to run out."

Marietta Pediatrics has been giving vaccinations for about a week-and-a-half, said Sandy Taylor, office nurse. However, those doses are reserved for regular patients of the practice.

Across the Ohio River, the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, which serves Wood and five surrounding West Virginia counties, has also run out of flu vaccinations. However, Dick Wittberg, director of the department, hopes to get additional vaccines next week.

"We started giving the seasonal flu shots earlier this year on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control.... We ran out after our last clinic earlier this week," he said. "There just isn't as much of a supply of the seasonal vaccine."

Washington County residents can receive vaccinations at clinics put on by the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, Wittberg said. Dates for clinics will be publicized and people can call the department at (304) 485-7374 for clinic dates. The vaccinations cost $15.

Ohio Department of Health spokesman Kristopher Weiss said people should not give up on getting the vaccine because nationwide there are more flu shots available this year than last.

"I would encourage people to continue to try and seek out vaccine because there is still vaccine being manufactured and delivered," he said.

Pamela Brust contributed.