Everyone now eligible for H1N1 vaccine

Beginning today, all Illinois residents are eligible to get the H1N1 vaccine - though whether everyone can find it immediately is another matter.

Until today, following federal guidelines, the vaccine was meant to go only to pregnant women, health workers, caregivers for infants under age 6 months, anyone age 6 months to 24 years, and those 24 to 65 with chronic medical conditions that made them susceptible to flu complications.

Now, state health officials say all ages can get the vaccine, though it remains in tight supply.

State officials said many pharmacies should have the vaccine by Monday, Dec. 21.

For a list of vaccination sites, see idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/sf_vaccine.htm.