Latest from CDC on increased supply of H1N1 Vaccine availability

[Guest guest]

DEPARTMENT

OF HEALTH & HUMAN

SERVICES Public

Health Service

Centers

for Disease Control

And

Prevention (CDC)

Atlanta,

GA 30333

Dear Friends,

Now

is a critical moment in our H1N1 response. With an ever-increasing

vaccine supply, it’s time for the next stage of the vaccination program.

Many people in the highest-risk groups have been vaccinated, and while

flu illness has declined in many areas, we are only at the beginning of the

traditional flu season, which lasts until May. It is important to

understand that the virus is unpredictable and that we may see additional waves

of illness. The current level of illness remains significantly higher

than normal for this time of year.

With

your help, we now have an opportunity to get ahead of another potential surge

in H1N1 and to protect millions of Americans. Below is an email template

that includes important resources. Please consider forwarding this

message to your distribution lists. As with the previous outreach

efforts, participation is voluntary.

You may

have noticed the spread of the H1N1 flu decreasing lately. And in between

all the holiday festivities and to-do lists, you may be asking whether getting

the vaccine is still important. What many don’t know is that flu season

typically lasts through May, and that past pandemics have occurred in waves.

In other words, it’s possible that we will see another increase in H1N1

and/or seasonal flu in the months ahead. Below are some useful tips

provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for you to share

with your family and friends as you celebrate the holiday season.

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO A

HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Add the Vaccine to Your Wish List – Getting

vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from

the flu. To find the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics nearest

you, visit FLU.gov

and type in your zip code. The Department of Health and Human

Services recently teamed up with Google Maps to create this handy flu

vaccine locator. Go ahead, try it out!

NOTE:

Many people at high risk for flu complications have received the H1N1

vaccine, so most states are opening their clinics to the general

population. Please call ahead to the desired clinic location to confirm

availability. Contact information is listed on the FLU.gov

vaccine locator.

Be a Germ Stopper – Cover your

nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid

touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Also, stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who

are sick. For additional information, see how

to prevent and treat the flu.

Check the Facts and Stay Informed – Visit FLU.gov

regularly for the latest information. Heard a rumor? Visit Myths

& Facts to run a fact check.

If you’ve been

vaccinated already, please share this email with friends and family and let

them know why

the H1N1 vaccine is safe and recommended by health experts.

The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine.

Millions of people have safely received the H1N1 vaccine, including

the President, First Lady and their children.

Also,

consider posting a flyer at your work, school and local community

centers. FLU.gov

offers free

outreach materials available in multiple languages.

Questions?

Visit FLU.gov

or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), offering services in English and Spanish, 24

hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wishing you a

happy, healthy holiday season.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ·

1600 Clifton Rd · Atlanta GA 30333 · 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)