Flu vaccine clinics this week will target most at risk

An unexpectedly large shipment of H1N1 vaccine this week has primed the pump for flu-shot clinics around Minnesota, health officials said Tuesday.

Minnesota has received about 100,000 doses, bringing the state total to more than 800,000 since the vaccine became available this fall. As a result, county and city health departments are scrambling to organize clinics this week -- although most will still target high-risk populations and children. Details vary by location.

Here is a list of H1N1 flu vaccination clinics this week:

Fairview Clinics

Who: Pregnant women, children 6 to 60 months, children ages 5 to 18 years with underlying health conditions, and adults who are the primary caregiver to children under the age of six months.

Where: Saturday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Fairview clinics in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Fridley, Eagan and Wyoming.

Details: The clinics are open to the public. Those who have insurance cards are asked to bring them, but proof of insurance is not required. For more information and locations go to www.Fairview.org/flu.

Who: Kids younger than 9 who attend these seven elementary schools, and their siblings.

Friday, Nov. 20 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Green Central Park Elementary; Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Elementary; Andersen Open Elementary School.

Details: For children without insurance or who have trouble accessing health care. Both nasal and injectable vaccine will be available, so both healthy children and those with chronic health conditions can be vaccinated. For more information: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/emergency/flu-home.asp

Who: Children ages 6 months through 9 years; children 10-18 years with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and lung problems; children and adults who live with or care for children younger than 6 months.

When: Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oak Grove Middle School in Bloomington; Richfield Middle School; and South View Middle School in Edina.

Details: No appointments are required, but there is a limited amount of vaccine. People are asked to wear short-sleeve shirts and to bring an insurance card if they have one. For more information: 952-563-8900.

When: Friday, Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arlington High School in St. Paul; Saturday, Nov. 21 9 a.m. to noon, North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 N. Rice St., Roseville.

Details: Only nasal vaccine will be available, so only healthy children are eligible. Supplies are limited and will be provided free on first-come-first-serve basis. Parents or guardian must fill out a consent form. The form is available at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph. For more information: www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph or call 651-266-2440.

Who: Healthy children age 6 months through 9 years who cannot obtain vaccine from their medical clinic.

When: Friday, Nov. 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., New Hope Church, 4225 Gettysburg Av. N., New Hope.

Details: Both nasal spray and shots will be offered, but supplies are limited. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and sign a consent form, which can be downloaded at: www.hennepin.us/h1n1. The vaccines are free but families with insurance are asked to bring their insurance card.

Who: Healthy children ages 5 to 9.

Where: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Chaska High School.

Details: First-come, first-serve. Only the nasal vaccine will be offered, which is not appropriate for children with health problems. However, Carver County public health will offer the injectable vaccine to people who can't get it from their doctor's clinic. Call 952 361 1329. For more information go to www.readycarver.org.

Who: Healthy children 2-9. Only nasal vaccine is available, which is not appropriate for children with health problems.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul; and the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley.

Who: Healthy kids 4-9. Some injectable vaccine is available for older kids with chronic health conditions.

When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Headwaters Forest Lake Service Center, 19955 Forest Road N.; Cottage Grove Service Center, 13000 Ravine Pkwy. S.; Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater.