Two Salt Lake County residents were hospitalized with the flu this week - two weeks earlier than the first hospitalizations last year. And a cluster of patients with the flu have appeared at a Provo clinic.

Health officials note it takes about two weeks for a vaccination to provide full protection. With the upcoming holiday and travel season, they urge residents to get vaccinated now.

"With cases in the Salt Lake Valley and in the Utah Valley, it's important for us to start considering rounding up family members and getting flu shots," said Susan Mottice, an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health.

Last year, delayed deliveries of vaccine were widespread and some supplies did not arrive until after residents had lost interest. This year, however, manufacturers have predicted vaccine supplies will be plentiful and delivered on time.

Utah County, forced to give away shots last year, ordered a slightly smaller supply of 17,000 doses this year. Supplies have arrived and about 2,000 residents have been vaccinated, said Lance Madigan, spokesman for the county's health department.

"It's definitely the best way to protect yourself and your family," Madigan said.

State health officials track the number of cases that result in hospitalizations.

But when several patients receiving care at one Provo clinic were recently diagnosed with the flu, staff alerted officials. Further testing confirmed the residents had type A influenza, Madigan said.

In the two Salst Lake County hospitalizations, one patient was over age 65 and the other was a younger adult, said Pam Davenport, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.

It will have traditional vaccinations and nasal-spray vaccinations of FluMist available beginning Monday at four public health centers, for $22. Details are available via the Flu Vaccine Locator at www.immunize-utah.org.

Vaccinations are recommended for residents of all ages, but especially for young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

Each flu season develops independently, and it is too soon to tell if a large number of flu cases will begin appearing now, Mottice said. Last year's flu season was mild, and cases never became truly widespread, she said.