The bad news is that today is the traditional start of the flu season.

The good news is that Hawai'i appears to have an ample supply of flu vaccine.

And the good advice from doctors and health officials? Get a flu shot no matter what your age or health.

"The common misconception is that it's a mild disease, that it's no big deal and it's like the common cold," said Dr. Sarah Park, epidemiologist for the state Department of Health. "It couldn't be more different. There is no such thing as 'a touch of the flu.' Once you've had it, you'll realize you never want it again."

For the first time, the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended everyone 18 and younger should get flu vaccinations. Public schools start their vaccination programs Oct. 15.

"Last year was a pretty mild flu season for Hawai'i," Park said. "Why? We don't know for sure. But it's too early to tell what this year will be like. All you can do is tell people they need flu shots, regardless of your age."

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii ordered 5,000 fewer doses of flu vaccine this year because it anticipates many patients will get inoculated through the state's Stop Flu at School program.

"Last year, we ordered 70,000 doses and had some left over that we had to throw out," said Barb Kashiwabara, Kaiser's director of pharmaceutical services.

"This year, we ordered 65,000 because we saw less people getting flu shots last year, about 60,000. But we believe a number of those that didn't get shots from us got their shots through the new school program, which has been good."

"Stop Flu at School" was a pilot program last year for children ages 5 to 13 and resumes at both public and private schools on Oct. 15, Park said. Nearly 63,000 children and more than 9,000 school staff received flu shots or nasal-spray doses last year - about 43 percent of those eligible, she said.

Consent forms were sent to parents and guardians at the beginning of the school year, and it is too late to sign up now for those free shots. The state Department of Education is calculating how many flu shots and nasal-spray doses will be given, but Park hopes to increase the proportion of participants to at least 50 percent.

The state has 90,000 doses available for students and staff this year.

FLU CAN BE FATAL

Park said people with normal health typically won't be hospitalized by the flu, but you will still feel "knocked out" for about a week with aches, pains, possibly fever and congestion. For the elderly, young and others with health problems, flu can be deadly, she said.

Park said flu season traditionally runs from Oct. 1 through May.

Hawaii Medical Service Association spokesman Chuck Marshall said his company ordered 48,000 doses, or 1,000 more than in 2007. HMSA conducts flu shot clinics at workplaces and hosts more than 40 free clinics for its members, he said.

"We have nearly 30 flu shot clinics remaining on our schedule," Marshall said, adding that there is no cost to HMSA members and a $40 fee for nonmembers.

Many private doctors also have doses of the vaccine.

"Vaccination is the single most effective method of flu immunization," Park said. "I know not everyone wants a shot. I even have arguments about getting shots with my own friends whom I paddle with. They think because they're young and healthy, why would they need it? That's so wrong."

Park said the vaccine is not 100 percent effective because there are many different strains of the flu. "But getting vaccinated greatly reduces your risk of getting sick," she said.

"You can also reduce your risk with basic hand and coughing hygiene: Cover your mouth when you cough, sanitize your hands before you eat. Anytime you share secretions with someone, and that means if they cough or sneeze at you or use your keyboard at work, you're susceptible."

Park also said it's impossible to get the flu from a flu vaccination, despite what many may say.

WHERE TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT

The state Department of Health has a complete list of where you can go to get your flu and pneumococcal vaccinations at http://hawaii.gov/health. Look under Health Resources for "Where to Get Your Flu and Pneumonia Shots."

HMSA members can find a list of free flu shot clinics at www.hmsa.com. Kaiser members should call their doctors or clinics for free flu shots.

HMSA flu shot clinics

Clinics are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise indicated:

O'AHU

Today: Longs, Pali.

Today: Don Quijote, Kailua.

Tomorrow: Don Quijote, Pearl City.

Friday: Wal-Mart, Ke'eaumoku.

Saturday: Leeward Community College.

Tuesday: Don Quijote, Honolulu.

Oct. 9: Ward Warehouse, Kakaako Room, 2nd Floor.

Oct. 10 and 11: Kahala Mall, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 13: Marukai Wholesale Mart, Kalihi, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 18: HMSA Center.

Oct. 20: Marukai Market Place, Ward Center Farmers Market.

Oct. 23: Walgreens, Ke'eaumoku.

Oct. 30: Castle Medical Center

Nov. 5: Longs, Wai'anae.

Nov. 8: HMSA Center

Nov. 14: Ward Warehouse, Kakaako Room, 2nd Floor

BIG ISLAND

Oct. 9: Longs, Hilo, Prince Kuhio.

Oct. 14: Longs, Kailua, Kona.

Oct. 15: Foodland, Waimea.

Oct. 22: Kealakekua Ranch Center.

Oct. 30: Longs, Ke'eau: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 18: PrimeTime Wellness Fair, Kanakaole Tennis Stadium, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

KAUA'I

Tuesday: Kukui Grove Center.

Next Wednesday: Foodland, Princeville: 8:30 a.m. to noon

MAUI

Thursday: PrimeTime Wellness Fair, Wailuku Community Center: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friday: Longs, Kahului.

MOLOKA'I

Nov. 6: Molokai General Hospital: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.