Eligibility for the H1N1 flu vaccine will expand to all Ohioans for the first time starting Dec. 14, the Ohio Department of Health announced Friday.



Until then, the department will focus on a final week-long push to immunize those in priority groups against the virus commonly called swine flu – health care and emergency medical workers who provide direct patient care; pregnant women; caregivers for children younger than 6 months; all people 6 months to 24 years; and those 25 years to 64 years old with chronic medical conditions.

The department estimates 5.5 million of the 11 million Ohioans are in the priority groups, and can’t project how many will seek the shot or nasal spray vaccinations, spokesman Kristopher Weiss said.

In Cincinnati, vaccinations for those groups will take place from Dec. 14 the Millvale Health Center and Elm Street health Center; Dec. 15 at the Northside Health Center; Dec. 16 at the Price Hill Health Center; and Dec. 17 at the Braxton-Cann Health Center. All locations will administer the vaccine from 4-7 p.m. Some individual pediatrician and obstetrician offices also have shots available.

The state has received 2.3 million doses from federal officials. Children age 9 and younger need two doses four weeks apart for it to take full effect.

Local health departments across the state might still offer clinics open only to high-risk groups if they determine a need exists, the department said in a news release.