Posted By LeAnn Wallace

The first Duluth based H1N1 Vaccination clinic is set to open up next week at the DECC.

Thousands of doses of the vaccine will be distributed only to those who are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
LeAnn Wallace has more.

Health officials are encouraging everyone to eventually get vaccinated for the H1N1 novel flu...but until it's available for the entire population, four groups of at–risk people are encouraged to get it in Duluth next week.

"This vaccine which was made available to us this week is the first that we've had to try to reach more broadly into the target populations," says Dr. Timothy Burke, MD, SMDC.

The targeted populations are: pregnant women, children ages six months to four years, children ages five to 18 years with chronic medical conditions and persons who live with or care for infants younger than six months.

No appointment is necessary for this week long clinic, but there will be a screening and registration process.

"There's going to be a screening process at the beginning to see if you actually fit the criteria and then you will proceed to registration and hopefully we will have you in an out of there once you register in about 5 minutes," says Beth Johnson, Public Relations for SMDC.

Those meeting the criteria are encouraged to visit Saint Mary's Duluth Clinic's website prior to coming for up–to–the minute wait times and vaccine availability.

The vaccine is free of charge for most people with insurance, otherwise a nominal fee between 13 and 20 dollars will be charged.

There is no word yet when there will be enough of the vaccination for the general public.

The vaccine is coming from the Minnesota Department of Health and while Wisconsin residents won't necessarily be turned away, they are encouraged to get it from Wisconsin's supply.