H1N1 flu vaccine to be available to everyone at pharmacies
Finally, as the spread of the H1N1 flu decreases, the flu vaccine is becoming more readily available.
Health officials Thursday began lifting restrictions on who can get the vaccine, and some providers announced plans to start distributing it to everyone, not just those at heightened risk of flu complications.
Chicago health officials lifted restrictions Thursday to make everyone over the age of 6 months eligible for the vaccine.
Illinois officials also plan to lift the restrictions Tuesday, Dec. 15, and said the vaccine should be generally available at pharmacies by Dec. 21.
The state is taking longer than Chicago to lift restrictions because priority groups in some areas, including the suburbs, are still trying to get the vaccine, Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said.
Also, she said, the recent cold wave might delay shipments because the vaccine cannot be frozen.
Fortunately, the percentage of patients showing flu symptoms statewide has decreased over the past four weeks.
In Chicago, Walgreens will start distributing H1N1 vaccines at 30 stores Friday.
Anyone over 2 years is eligible for the vaccine at Walgreens Take Care Clinics, and anyone 9 years or over can get the vaccine at the pharmacies, regardless of where they live.
To find a location, see walgreens.com/flu, takecarehealth.com, or call 1-800-Walgreens.
In Kane County, two Walgreens will offer the vaccine Friday at 1221 N. Lake St. in Aurora and 2100 State St. in Geneva. Call ahead to check hours and availability, at (630) 264-6269 for Aurora, and (630) 262-0970 for Geneva.
Walgreens will charge $18 for the vaccine. The drugstore chain expects to get more vaccine at other suburban stores as early as next week.
Jewel-Osco also has the vaccine available at 28 stores in Chicago. The public should call individual stores to check availability.
CVS pharmacies also should have the vaccine in Chicago by next week.
In the suburbs, the Lake County Public Health Department will take appointments for any county resident over 6 months of age to get the vaccine starting Dec. 15th at Advocate Condell Medical Building, 1425 Hunt Club Road, suite 103, Gurnee. Call (888) 523-5727.
Kane County is also making appointments for all residents over 6 months at (630) 723-5414.
In McHenry County, Centegra Health System will offer the vaccine to the general public starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at sites in McHenry, Woodstock, Crystal Lake and Huntley with no appointment necessary. For information, see centegra.org or call 877-236-8347.
Statewide, almost 2.6 million doses of the vaccine have been shipped outside Chicago, enough for about one-quarter of the 10 million people who live in that area.
Outside Chicago, until restrictions are lifted next week the Illinois Department of Public Health is asking that only the highest priority people get the vaccine: pregnant women, medical workers, caregivers for infants under 6 months, those age 6 months to 24 years, and those age 25 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at risk from the flu.
Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically $12 to $22, covered by most health insurance.
For a list of vaccination sites, see ready.illinois.gov.
For questions about the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, call (866) 848-2094.