NJ health officials: Get flu shots early

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has joined health officials in recommending that all state residents get a flu shot - but now comes word some doctors are reporting shortages of vaccine. 

According to state Epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan, the New Jersey Health Department doesn't keep vaccine supply statistics, but "flu vaccine companies are saying that the shipments are back on target for the end of October."

She stressed it's not the end of the world if you don't get a flu shot for a couple of weeks but "the issue is that we don't know exactly when flu activity might hit a particular area, so that's why we always encourage people to try and get their flu vaccine as soon as they can, as soon as they can."

Dr. Tan added by doing so you're ensuring you'll have protection as quickly as possible.

"It usually it takes about two weeks for individuals to develop an immune response based on getting vaccine, and among older adults, among people with underlying medical conditions it might take a little bit longer," Tan said. "We are seeing some influenza like illness activity throughout the state right now, but typically influenza does peak sometime in January and February."

Health officials are recommending anyone over the age of 6 months gets the flu vaccine, especially young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.