Bermuda should get prepared for a long flu season, especially in the face of a potential shortage of the influenza vaccine.

The US government has warned that flu vaccines could be a month late and that "a shortage of the vaccine is possible'', the Associated Press (AP) has recently reported.

The story added vaccinations could be pushed back to November rather than the usual mid-October date due to difficulties in getting the components needed to grow the vaccine.

Bermuda recently experienced one of its worst flu seasons on record, but Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said the Island should have enough of the vaccine to take care of those most vulnerable.

Bermuda receives its supply of the vaccine from the US or Canada and Dr. Cann noted that, should there be a shortage, those countries would first generate enough for themselves before offering the vaccine to others.

"We will put our orders in early,'' he said.

Preparing influenza vaccines each year is not an easy task.

Scientists dealing with the virus must predict which strain will strike. A specific amount of the vaccine is generated, as there may not be enough of the components needed to create a large amount.

"This must be taken seriously,'' Dr. Cann said. "We will have to use common sense. We must be able to take care of those at risk and control how it is distributed.

"The normal process would be to take care of those who are most at risk,'' said Dr. Cann.

This includes the elderly and young children.

Dr. Cann added that essential service providers -- firefighters, Police officers and medical personnel -- would also be amongst the first to get the vaccine if there was a shortage.

He added that the best way to protect against catching the flu was to have good personal hygiene and avoid germs via daily interaction such as hand contact or sneezing.