MINNEAPOLIS -- Hundreds of people came to the Fairview Clinic in Minneapolis to get their H1N1 vaccination.
On Tuesday the Minnesota Department of Health announced the target groups have been expanded.
"We've ordered 1-million doses for the state. That does not ensure we have a stockpile, it seems like a good time to expand recommendations," said Kris Ehresmann, Director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology.
Those new recommendations now include: Children six-months to 24 years old, 25-64 years old (people with a high risk medical condition), health care workers, pregnant women and household caregivers of infants six-months and younger.
The Minnesota Department of Health also says if you're unable to get vaccinated right away, be patient. The vaccine continues to come into the state on a daily basis.
But H1N1 continues to be a threat.
"The past week, we do have seven deaths that we were able to link to influenza," said Ehresmann.
Six of those seven deaths were linked to H1N1. The good news, however, is that activity has gone from widespread, down to regional, which equals about half the activity.
"This is our fourth week in a row we've had decreased activity," said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, State Epidemiologist.
Now that seasonal flu season is almost here, the Minnesota Department of Health is cautious about differentiating seasonal flu with H1N1.
"We could start to see seasonal activity any time, we do ask hospitals to swab any patient that they suspect of having the flu and send us the swab," said Lynfield.
The big message from today, is being safe through the Thanksgiving holiday.
"I am willing to say that we've peaked in the fall wave, we're coming down," said Lynfield. "As long as everybody takes good precautions over Thanksgiving."
Clinics are open from 2pm to 8pm Tuesday. Locations include: Minneapolis: Fairview Children's Clinic (2535 University Ave SE). Bloomington: Fairview Oxboro Clinic (600 W. 98th Street). Eagan: Fairview Fridley Clinic (6341 University Ave NE). Wyoming: Fairview Lakes Family Medicine Clinic (5200 Fairview Blvd).
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