MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) - Health care officials don't anticipate a shortage of flu vaccine this season such as the one that caused rationing last season.

The projected 97 million doses available in the United States is "about twice as many as what was available last year," said Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist.

Rationing was instituted last flu season after a major British vaccine maker was shut down due to contamination concerns.

Four manufacturers are expected to provide up to 97 million doses to the U.S. market during the 2005-06 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About "90 percent of all flu shots are ordered by the private sector," Kightlinger said.

"It's up to each clinic and hospital to order their supply," he said.

Many South Dakotans get flu shots. Kightlinger said 70 percent to 79 percent of South Dakotans classified as high risk get vaccinated.

The flu season usually starts around Thanksgiving, but later this month, "everyone should be thinking about getting a flu shot," Kightlinger said.

He said that between now and Oct. 24, the only people who should be vaccinated are:

3 People 65 and older;

3 Children ages 6 to 23 months;

3 People with a chronic health condition, such as heart disease, kidney disease, asthma or cancer;

3 Women who will be pregnant during flu season;

3 Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;

3 Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;

3 Health care workers involved in direct patient care;

3 And out-of-home caregivers or household contacts of children younger than 6 months.

There are other ways to guard against the flu, said Pat Reiner, director of infection control and employee health at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.

"Keep yourself healthy, eat a good died and rest," Reiner said.

Precautions include avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home when ill, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands often, Reiner said.

The number of South Dakotans who die from the flu each year usually is in the 20s, Kightlinger said. Last year, it was 42.

It takes about two weeks to develop the antibodies to protect against the flu.