GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Ramsey County will now offer the H1N1 vaccine to any healthy person age 2 to 24 years old today.
The Ramsey County Department of Public Health previously targeted children age 2 to 9 who don't have health insurance or don't have vaccine coverage.
But after response to the clinics on Friday evening and reports from health care clinics that say they have more vaccine available, the county was able to expand eligibility for Saturday's shots.
The expansion to individuals up to age 24 years follows recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which has designated people in this age range as a priority group based on risk.
The clinic will offer FluMist nasal vaccine which can only be given to people who don't have any underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
The number of vaccines is limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Parents in Ramsey County will need to fill out a vaccine consent form for each child before the child can be vaccinated. Those forms can be downloaded from the Ramsey County Web site.
The Ramsey County Web site also has a screening checklist for parents to determine if their child can get the FluMist nasal vaccine.
Here is the list of counties, cities, and organizations holding H1N1 vaccine clinics in the coming days:
RAMSEY COUNTY:
North Heights Lutheran Church
2701 North Rice Street
Roseville, MN
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
DAKOTA COUNTY:
Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road
West St. Paul, MN
Sat. Nov 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Info: Offered to children ages 2 through 9. Only the nasal spray vaccine is available. Children cannot be vaccinated if they are sick, are allergic to eggs, or have a chronic health condition such as asthma or diabetes. Those with health insurance are asked to bring their insurance card so their insurance plan can be billed for the administration of the vaccine. Dakota County will cover the cost for those children who are uninsured.
When more vaccine becomes available, Dakota County Public Health staff plan to vaccinate people in other groups. Those who do not meet the age requirements, but are interested in receiving the vaccine can check for future updates at www.dakotacounty.us by searching flu vaccine or by calling Dakota County Public Health, 651-438-4777.
CARVER COUNTY:
Chaska High School
545 Pioneer Trail
Chaska, MN
Sat. Nov 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: The clinic is a first-come, first-served walk-in clinic; appointments will not be taken. Nasal spray vaccine will be administered at this clinic at no cost. Children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian who can give permission for the vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine Public Health received for this clinic can only be administered to children in this age group who are not ill and do not have a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
In addition to this clinic, Public Health will continue to offer appointments to people in high priority groups who cannot get the vaccine from their healthcare provider. These groups include: children ages 6 months through 4 years of age, parents and care providers of infants under 6 months of age, pregnant women, and children ages 5 to 18 who have underlying medical conditions. These people can call Public Health at 952-361-1329 for an appointment to receive the vaccine.
For more information on H1N1 and local flu clinics, visit www.readycarver.org or call Public Health Information and Referral at 952-361-1329.
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
Washington County Government Center
14949 62nd St. N
Stillwater, MN
Sat. Nov 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cottage Grove Service Center
13000 Ravine Parkway S.
Cottage Grove, MN
Sat. Nov 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Headwaters Forest Lake Service Center
19955 Forest Road N.
Forest Lake, MN
Sat. Nov 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Info: All clinics are for children ages 4 through 9. There is no charge for the vaccination. Due to the continued limited supply of vaccine, changes to clinic operations Nov. 21 may occur. At this time, the department is reaching out to families with children attending Washington County schools.
The county is following the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations for targeted groups who are at greatest risk from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Additional clinics are planned for December. Parents may call the Department Message Center at 651-430-6820.
CITIES OF RICHFIELD, BLOOMINGTON AND EDINA:
Richfield Middle School
7461 Oliver Avenue South
Richfield, Minnesota
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Oak Grove Middle School
1300 W 106th St
Bloomington, MN 55431
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
South View Middle School
4725 South View Lane
Edina, Minnesota 55424
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Info: Bloomington Public Health will hold three free H1N1 flu vaccination clinics for Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield residents who qualify. The vaccine will be given to all children ages 6 months through 9 years, children ages 10 through 18 years with chronic illness (such as asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney, and lung problems), and people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old.
Those attending the clinic should wear a short-sleeved shirt and bring an insurance card if possible, although there is no cost for the vaccine. No appointments are necessary, but there is a limited amount of vaccine. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, visit the City's Web site at www.ci.bloomington.mn.us or call Bloomington Public Health at 952-563-8900.
FAIRVIEW CLINICS IN MINNEAPOLIS, BLOOMINGTON, FRIDLEY, EAGAN AND WYOMING:
Fairview Oxboro Clinic
600 W. 98th St.
Bloomington, MN
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. AND Tues. Nov 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fairview Eagan Clinic
1440 Duckwood Drive
Eagan, MN
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fairview Fridley Clinic
6341 University Ave NE
Fridley, MN
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. AND Tues. Nov 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fairview Lakes Family Medicine Clinic
5200 Fairview Blvd
Wyoming, MN
Sat. Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. AND Tues. Nov 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fairview Children's Clinic
2535 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN
Tues. Nov 24, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Info: The clinics are open to the public. Those who have insurance cards are asked to bring them, but proof of insurance is not required. Per Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, vaccinations will only be provided to high priority groups-those might likely to suffer complications from H1N1. They include pregnant women, children 6 months to 5 years, children ages 5 to 18 years with underlying health conditions, and adults who are the primary caregiver to children under the age of six months. Based on vaccine supply and public interest, additional walk-in clinics may be announced. Visit www.fairview.org/flu for more information.
More flu information
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