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Flu shots are coming soon to suburban residents who need them most, health officials say, after more than a month of uncertainty in the face of a national vaccine shortage. Plans vary from county to county, and a host of townships and community and nonprofit groups are expected to roll out additional clinics in the days and weeks to come. On Thursday, Cook County health officials announced a schedule to administer 10,000 free doses in suburban clinics. While 10,000 may seem a relatively small number - even for those most at risk, such as society's oldest, youngest and most infirm - spokeswoman Kitty Loewy said it would take a record-high demand to exhaust the supply. Last year's flu season, for example, saw unusually high demand, but only 8,000 people got a shot through the county's suburban supply. Loewy said that record-high demand may come this year, as residents who don't normally go to the public clinics - people with health insurance - have found their doctors and pharmacies without adequate supply. "This year was different, to say the least," Loewy said. The Northwest suburban clinic in the Rolling Meadows courthouse, at Euclid Avenue and New Wilke Road, will run from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Proof of residence in suburban Cook County is required. Officials are urging people not to show up before the clinics start. Loewy said they'll give out shots until there's none left. Call (708) 492-2185 for availability. Shots will be given only to anyone 65 and older, children 6 to 23 months old, parents of infants younger than 6 months and the people who live with them, pregnant women, health care workers, and people age 2 and older with underlying chronic conditions such as asthma, kidney disease or suppressed immune systems. The McHenry County health department will offer shots Monday, by appointment only. Call (815) 334-4510. Thursday was the last day for qualifying Lake County residents to call a set of dedicated phone banks to make appointments. Flu: Criteria must be met to receive shot