HHS Offers Tips on Flu Vaccines

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius urges Americans to get their H1N1 vaccine if they have not done so. Influenza vaccinations are still key to controlling outbreaks, even though we hear that cases of seasonal and H1N1 flu are slowing.

The Department of Health and Human Services reminds us of these key points regarding the flu vaccines.

• There is still more influenza across the country than is usually seen this time of year and unlike the seasonal influenza, the 2009 H1N1 virus affects young people more than seasonal influenza.
• Some people, such as pregnant women, healthcare and emergency medical service providers, children, young adults under the age of 25 and adults between the ages of 25 to 64 with an underlying chronic medical condition, are at higher risk for serious H1N1 flu complications.
• The time to get a flu vaccine starts in September and continues into winter through January or later. This year, with the uncertainty of the N1N1 virus, the season may extend beyond the winter months.
• Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from influenza.
• Flu activity is already higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons. Almost all of the flu viruses indentified as of November 2009 have been 2009 H1N1.

See more resources for flu information at http://www.flu.gov/