H1N1 vaccine available to all Illinoisans Dec 15

By David Liu

While the H1n1 flu activity nationwide is on the decline, the State of Illinois announced on Thursday Dec 10 that H1N1 flu availability is to be expanded to cover all residents in the state starting next Tuesday Dec 15.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold said in a statement posted on the agency's website that all Illinoisans will be eligible to receive an H1N1 flu vaccine.

The IDPH is right now following the CDC recommendations to reserve H1N1 vaccine for those who are believed to be at high risk of H1N1 complications.

The priority group includes pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, medical personnel, person aged 6 months to 24 years, and persons aged 25 to 64 years of age, but with medical conditions.

Dr. Arnold said all the state residents should be able to go to many retail pharmacies in addition to local health department and private physicians for H1N1 flu vaccine starting no later than Dec 21, 2009.

People in the priority population group are encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine before Dec 15 after which physicians are advised to offer H1N1 vaccine to all Illinoisans who have not yet been vaccinated.

The vaccine in most cases is not free of charge, according to the statement, and pharmacies may charge a fee ranging from $12 to $22. However, most health insurance policies cover the expense.  Because of this, people should bring their health insurance card or paper work when they go to see a nurse or doctor.

Those who do not have health insurance can receive an H1N1 flu vaccine free of charge at all local health departments in Illinois.

For more information on clinics, read here.