Criteria expanded for H1N1 Vaccination at Winona Health

Winona Health received updated criteria for administering the H1N1 vaccination. The vaccine is now available to the following priority groups.

-All persons age 6 months through 24 years
-Persons age 25 years through 64 years with a chronic medical condition that puts them at risk of medical complications from influenza
-Pregnant women
-Healthcare providers or emergency medical services personnel
-Persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months old

People who are allergic to eggs or the seasonal influenza vaccine should not receive the H1N1 vaccine.

Those who meet the criteria can contact their primary care provider for an appointment or use walk-in care at Winona Clinic, 859 Mankato Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These services are closed November 26, Thanksgiving Day.

Those who come in for the vaccine only, will pay only an administration cost and there will be no charge for the vaccine itself. The administration cost will be billed to the patient or to insurance, and if the patient's insurance requires a co-pay, the patient will be responsible for their co-pay.

It is anticipated that there will be enough vaccine for all who meet this criteria. Additional H1N1 Vaccination Clinics may be scheduled as more vaccine is received.

Parents of children aged 9 and under are reminded that their child will need an H1N1 booster vaccine four weeks after receiving the initial vaccine, as supplies are available.

Information about seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza is available on Winona Health's website: winonahealth.org/flu.