H1N1 flu vaccine available to all, starting today

Waiting for an H1N1 shot? Now's your chance.

Iowans in any age group -- healthy or not -- are eligible for H1N1 flu vaccine starting today, after the state lifted restrictions Friday that limited tight supplies to high-risk groups.

Doses are now available for everyone, mostly at doctors offices, as local public health departments gear up for mass clinics.

Health officials wanted to ensure those most vulnerable to H1N1 complications, such as children and pregnant women, were vaccinated before opening up the vaccine to everyone.

Iowa has received 803,400 doses of H1N1 vaccine so far and seen 36 confirmed H1N1 deaths and nearly 700 H1N1-related hospitalizations.

Curtis Dickson, director of Linn County Public Health, said clinics are planned for students at two schools before the holidays, but other residents seeking vaccine this month should ask their health care provider.

Dickson said two free mass clinics will be scheduled at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids after the New Year, plus four evening clinics by appointment.

So far, Linn County has received 58,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine and distributed 50,000, covering one-fourth of the county's population of 200,000.

Vaccine is free, but doctors can charge an administration fee of up to $15, plus a charge for the visit.

Doug Beardsley, director of Johnson County Public Health, said the county has received 42,000 doses so far for its 128,000 residents, most of which has been used.

The department will initially be targeting the uninsured and underinsured and plans a public clinic in January.

Details of when and where have not yet been finalized, Beardsley said. For more information, see: www.johnson-county.com/health

Health officials predict a third wave of H1N1 after the holidays, striking at the time Iowa's seasonal flu season starts its peak.