This year amid weaker-than-expected demand, prices are being slashed by drugstores, supermarkets and some doctors' offices are offering other kinds of deals on flu vaccine.

Last fall, an estimated 61 million people in the U. S. were infected and more than 12,000 were killed as hordes of worried parents, pregnant women and others drove demand for a limited supply of H1N1 flu vaccine as the swine-flu pandemic spread across the country.

Because of the hysteria surrounding H1N1, demand for the separate seasonal flu shot also was strong. By early November, seasonal flu vaccines were over at most venues.

Up from 110 million doses last year, manufacturers produced and distributed 163 million doses of the flu vaccine this year. But in most places, flu season has been mild.

Supplies of the seasonal flu shots this year is bigger than ever. Compared with the 110 million doses distributed last year, manufacturers produced and distributed 163 million doses of the vaccine.

The stock was stored by retailers and doctors' offices as there was more awareness about the flu and the government had stated that flu vaccine was important for all Americans who were more than six months of age.

With memories of last year's H1N1 fading, this year has been mild in most places.