Updated at: 11/25/2009 10:52 PM
By: Laura Kennedy
lkennedy@wdio.com

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H1N1 Vaccine Eligibility Changes

"It just seems to be the thing to do for my family and my health," said Marty Maclean of Duluth.

After hearing several local patients died recently from the H1N1 virus, Marty knew he wanted to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

"Now that we're seeing older people succumbing to it, it's important," he said. "You just need to be ready."

Even though he has chronic heart disease, up until now, Marty wasn't eligible. But starting Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Health expanded the priority groups that are able to get the vaccine. It includes adults ages 25-64 with chronic medical conditions. SMDC says adding this group was a critical change because most of the local patients that have died have fallen into this category.

Mary Ruthenbeck came in to the clinic to get her shot because she is part of that group.

"I have asthma, so it's harder for me to get over any kind of flu or cold," Ruthenbeck said. "And this should help me not miss days of work."

The new criteria also includes all children and young adults, another group that's been hit hard by serious H1N1 illness. Kara Hargrove says she's relieved because two of her boys were not previously eligible.

"Now that they've opened it up through 24 years old, regardless of underlying conditions, I figured we should get down here right away," said Hargrove.

And her sons seemed willing to brave the needles to avoid getting flu.

"It doesn't hurt much anymore," said 8-year-old Zach "But yeah, I'm a little nervous."

"It's good to get it because everyone's been getting sick at Woodland," said 13-year-old Tyler. "Now I don't have to have all that homework if I get sick."

State health officials say they're starting to see fewer H1N1 cases in the Northland. But several people say they're not taking any chances.

"I just thought, better to be safe than sorry," Hargrove said .

 

Looking to get a flu shot? You can find waiting times and eligibility requirements here:

http://www.smdc.org/flu/flu.htm