News you can use

Absentee voting in the 2009 Minneapolis municipal elections begins on Friday, October 2.

The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that flu is “widespread” in Minnesota, its highest category. That would be the flu variously known as H1N1 novel influenza, swine flu, or pandemic flu.

Students at the U of M lined up for flu shots for the “regular” flu, available to students who are 18 or over. Lots of places, including my doctor’s office, haven’t received the “regular flu” vaccine yet, due in part to delays from one of the manufacturers. And the swine flu vaccine won’t arrive until mid-October.

Getting “regular flu” shots The Minnesota Department of Health has a flu shot listing that sort of works — mdhflu.com. But the MDH listing is woefully incomplete. The only place it lists within ten miles of St. Paul for the next week is the Health Partners clinic in Bloomington on September 21, with flu shots costing $50. A series of phone calls turned up additional places at lower costs and more accessible locations.

Disabled veterans are now eligible for free public transportation throughout the state thanks to a new law passed by the Minnesota Legislature. Veterans must show their Veterans ID bearing the words “Service Connected” or the initials “SC” below their photo. The cards are given at the time of enrollment at any Veterans Affairs facility; locally at the VA medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud. Free transportation is also extended to personal care attendants who are assisting a disabled veteran as they travel. FFI: 612-467-1991 or visit the Department of Veteran's Affairs web site.