Flu season is just around the corner and yesterday we learned the bad news as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that almost half of the nation’s flu vaccine supply was unexpectedly cancelled. The CDC now asks those not in priority group to forgo their annual flu shot in order to ensure there are enough for people most in need of flu protection.

DCist has already felt the repercussions of the announcement, with our annual office flu shot opportunity cancelled. Certainly others will feel the pinch (or not feel it, technically).

What does this mean for the average healthy adult? More vigilance…and a lot of luck. The CDC offers information on preventing, treating and monitoring all things flu. Pay close attention to the prevention section. DCist would like to point to the “Stay home when you are sick” admonishment. All of us know co-workers who love their jobs so much that they simply can not take a few days to actually stay home when they are sick. They bring their delightful germs into the forced-air systems of the office and infect everyone else. This year, with the lack of protection for us healthy but now vulnerable adults, DCist asks that you heed this recommendation and stay home when sick!