H1N1 vaccine available to all in Ohio Tuesday

YOUNGSTOWN — Area public- health departments are gearing up for an influx of people wanting the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine now that all state residents are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Come Tuesday, the Ohio Department of Health will make the vaccine available to all Ohioans as well as those in the high-risk populations targeted during the first round of vaccine distribution.

Up to that point, only pregnant women, people who live with and care for children younger than 6 months, people 6 months to 24 years, and people 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions, were eligible for the vaccine.

This is a perfect time to get the H1N1-flu vaccine, said Matthew Stefanak, commissioner of the Mahoning County District Board of Health. The department will provide vaccine from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Austintown Fitch High School.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.