Updated at: 11/06/2009 10:22 AM
By: Renee Passal

SMDC To Distribute H1N1 Vaccine

Next week, SMDC Health System will begin distributing the H1N1 flu vaccine to certain groups who are at a higher risk for developing complications from the flu. Because this vaccine shipment came from the Minnesota Department of Health, SMDC must follow the health department’s instructions for distribution.

The eligible groups are:

Pregnant women Children ages 6 months to 4 years
Children ages 5 to 18 years with chronic medical conditions
Persons who live with or care for infants younger than six months

If you or your child falls in one of these categories, you can attend a walk-in H1N1 flu vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, November 9, to Friday, November 13, or while supplies last.

The immunizations will take place in the Lake Superior Ballroom in the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 350 Harbor Drive.

There will be a $4 fee if you park at the DECC. No appointment is needed for this walk-in clinic.

Please check SMDC’s Web site at www.smdc.org for up-to-the minute wait times and vaccine availability. While the vaccine is free, SMDC will charge a nominal fee, set by the government, for administering the vaccine. Patients who have Medicare and Medicaid will have no out of pocket expense and private insurance will usually cover the cost as well. People who do not have any insurance will be billed a nominal fee.

A limited number of doses have been distributed to Duluth Clinic sites in northeastern Minnesota for patients who meet the criteria in those communities. The state of Wisconsin is distributing its vaccine supplies differently.

“With the limited supply we have been given, SMDC won’t be able to vaccinate everyone in these priority groups,” says SMDC Infectious Disease Specialist Timothy Burke, MD. “We are committed to getting the vaccine into as many people as we can, as quickly and safely as possible.”