SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois health officials are reporting nine new deaths and 216 new hospitalizations from swine flu.
Friday's update brings the total number of Illinois deaths from the virus to 76 since April. Hospitalizations have topped 2,400.
The global epidemic is affecting younger adults more than the elderly. More than two-thirds of the Illinois deaths were among people ages 19 to 64.
Nearly 2.6 million doses of swine flu vaccine have been shipped to Illinois. There's now enough vaccine to go around, so Illinois health officials have said they're broadening recommendations on who can get it.
Everyone older than 6 months can get the vaccine beginning Tuesday — not just those in high-risk groups. Many retail pharmacies are expected to receive vaccine this month.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Friday's update brings the total number of Illinois deaths from the virus to 76 since April. Hospitalizations have topped 2,400.
The global epidemic is affecting younger adults more than the elderly. More than two-thirds of the Illinois deaths were among people ages 19 to 64.
Nearly 2.6 million doses of swine flu vaccine have been shipped to Illinois. There's now enough vaccine to go around, so Illinois health officials have said they're broadening recommendations on who can get it.
Everyone older than 6 months can get the vaccine beginning Tuesday — not just those in high-risk groups. Many retail pharmacies are expected to receive vaccine this month.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
