Nearly one in three Minnesotans received the H1N1 vaccine since last fall, one of the highest rates in the country, federal officials reported Thursday.
Minnesota ranked eighth in the nation, with 31 percent of its residents 6 months or older getting the vaccine, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The national average was 24 percent.
In one group, Minnesota led the nation: Among adults aged 25 to 64 with underlying conditions, nearly half -- 47 percent -- were vaccinated. That group was considered at high risk for complications because of asthma, heart disease or other chronic illnesses.
"As Minnesotans, we can all be proud," said Dr. Sanne Magnan, the state's health commissioner.
Minnesota was better than average in vaccinating other groups as well: 44 percent of children 6 months to 17 were vaccinated, compared with 37 percent nationwide. In addition, 41 percent of the initial priority group -- including pregnant women, health workers and emergency services personnel -- got the H1N1 vaccine, compared with 33 percent nationally.
The CDC found that Minnesota also was "well ahead" of the average vaccine rates of neighboring states.
State health officials said Thursday it's important to continue vaccinating against H1N1, even though the outbreak peaked months ago. The virus is still spreading "at fairly low levels" in Minnesota, said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, the state epidemiologist, and has picked up momentum in some parts of the country, notably the southeast.
Maura Lerner • 612-673-7384
