Called the Biojector 2000 needle-free injection system, it delivers medication with gas compression through an opening about one-third the size of a small needle, through a disposable plastic syringe.

The manufacturer says the system is safer for health-care workers because it eliminates the risk of needle-stick injuries, and says it increases turnout at flu clinics because it reduces "needle-phobia."

"Needle-free technology offers the very obvious benefit of reducing patient concern or fear about the use of a needle," said Sue Nicodemus, the health department's immunization coordinator. Other benefits "include very fast injection compared with conventional needles, no risk of needle-stick injuries and no needle disposal issues."

Nearly 20,000 people die each year from complications associated with influenza, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Utah had 3,263 laboratory-identified cases during the 2004-05 flu season, which ran from October to March, with no pediatric deaths recorded.

Last year, a shortage of vaccine occurred after manufacturer Chiron Corp.'s plant in England didn't ship about half of the 100 million doses U.S. officials expected. This year, four manufacturers plan to produce a total of about 97 million doses of vaccine for the U.S.

Health officials recommend people in a high-risk category also receive the pneumonia vaccination, which costs $31. Anyone who has had a pneumonia shot after the age of 65 does not need further doses.

In addition, the health department will offer pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine during the clinics.

Gary Edwards, the executive director of the health department, said the flu vaccination clinics will serve as exercises in emergency preparedness.

"We know a pandemic is inevitable and long overdue," Edwards said. "Throw in the recent emergence of something like bird flu and the scarcity of antiviral stockpiles, and the need to practice vaccinating large numbers of people quickly becomes greatly emphasized."

For people who cannot attend the clinics, FluMist will be available at the Salt Lake City Clinic, South Main Clinic, Southeast Clinic and the Ellis R. Shipp Clinic for $29. FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, is licensed for people 5 to 49 years old.

chamilton@sltrib.com

* Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - high-risk individuals only.

High-risk individuals include: children 6 to 23 months of age; everyone 65 years of age or older; residents of long-term care facilities; people with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, lung disease or anemia; people with weakened immune systems; women who will be pregnant during the flu season; health-care workers; and family members and caretakers of infants 6 months and younger.

* Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - general population.

* Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - general population.