The Oct. 6 issue of The Mountain Messenger provided coverage on where area residents can get regular and senior-dose flu shots. As reported, Sierra County Public Health is providing free, regular dose shots at various sites around the county during the month of October. However, senior doses were not provided to the state's counties by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). (Our article contained information on where seniors aged 65 and older can get the free, higher doses through the Western Sierra Medical Clinic in Downieville and the Eastern Plumas Health Care Clinic in Loyalton—and at EPHC clinics in Graeagle and Portola.) The Mountain Messenger contacted CDPH to ask why no senior flu vaccines were provided to local counties. The department’s response that follows was received after our deadline last week: The State of California, along with many other providers of influenza vaccine in California, purchases doses of influenza vaccine at the beginning of each calendar year, months in advance of administration during the fall. This summer, after the purchasing deadline for the season’s doses, CDC’s national recommendations were updated: Higher dosage influenza vaccines, when available, are recommended for persons 65 years and older. This recommendation was updated too late to be incorporated into state purchases for local health departments in 2022. Higher dose influenza vaccines are, however, covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, Covered California and private insurance plans. Persons age 65 years and older seeking higher dose and related influenza vaccines can check with their medical providers and regional pharmacies, including those listed at https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.