DEAR READER: To my knowledge, there is no single flu shot, so I believe it is appropriate for you to receive a seasonal-flu injection. My reasoning is that seasonal flu covers different strains that you wouldn’t be immunized against if you didn’t have the 2010 injection. What you received earlier this year was specifically for H1N1. To be on the safe side and because I don’t know your age, allergies or health history, you should clear this with your primary-care physician before being immunized.

The swine-flu pandemic began in April 2009 and took more than 18,000 lives worldwide, according to Fox News, which also reported the governments of North America and Europe dumped their vaccines after finding their shelves were full of unused serum and supplies that were about to expire. Conservative skeptics held back and simply didn’t get immunized. France also felt the threat of a pandemic was an overestimation. Germany ended up with 34 million doses of vaccine from manufacturers, with very little used. That said, the World Health Organization believes the 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread in many parts of the world for years to come.

The 2010 to 2011 seasonal-influenza vaccine will protect against the H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus. Those who had H1N1 or the vaccine last year can safely receive the seasonal-flu vaccine this year.

DEAR READER: It’s rather fortuitous that your inquiry reached me today — the same time I received a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services on this very subject.

As might be expected, everyone six months or older is urged to receive the vaccine when it becomes available. This year’s will include the 2009 H1N1 strain as part of the regular seasonal vaccine. While there were concerns last year regarding H1N1, we are assured that seasonal flu shots have an excellent safety record.

People in high-risk categories are strongly urged to be immunized. This includes people diagnosed with chronic conditions, diabetes, asthma, pregnant women and those working in the health care profession.

Continue to wash your hands on a regular basis, avoid surrounding yourself with ill people who are coughing and sneezing, keep commonly touched or used items clean, eat healthful meals, get adequate sleep and exercise regularly. This last statement is meant for the general public, since I’m sure with three young children you rarely get a good night’s sleep, are lucky to catch leftovers for dinner and likely get adequate exercise simply picking up after them. Perhaps, for this very reason, parents are urged to get the vaccine.

To stay up to date, visit www.flu.gov for the latest information available.