Open Letter to the American People about H1N1 Flu Vaccine

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Open Letter to the American People about the H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Open Letter to the American People:

Since the 2009 H1N1 flu virus hit our shores, scientists, manufacturers, health

providers, and federal, state, and local health officials have worked together

to protect the health of the American people. Over 110 million doses of the

H1N1 vaccine are now available, with more coming every day. Now is the time to

protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated against the H1N1

flu.

The traditional flu season is just beginning and typically lasts until May.

History tells us to prepare for another serious wave of illness. With H1N1 flu

declining in many areas, we have a window of opportunity to help prevent the flu

from spreading further and causing even more illness, hospitalization, and

death.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself

and your family from the H1N1 flu.

The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way seasonal flu vaccines are made every year.

Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that the vaccine is not only safe,

but also an excellent match for the H1N1 flu virus. And remember that when you

get vaccinated, you don't just help yourself; you help your community by

preventing the spread of the flu virus. If enough Americans get vaccinated, we

could lessen the impact of, or perhaps even prevent, a third wave of H1N1 flu.

We especially encourage people with underlying health conditions, pregnant

women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and health care workers to

get vaccinated against H1N1. Unlike the seasonal flu, H1N1 has hit children,

young people, and adults under age 65 exceptionally hard. That is why we

encourage you to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.

Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in this

fight to protect yourself and your community by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Sincerely,

http://flu.gov/news/openletter.html

AAFP [The American Academy of Family Physicians] Joins HHS, Other Groups to

Emphasize Benefits of H1N1 Vaccination

The AAFP is one of more than 30 professional medical organizations that have

signed on to a letter from HHS urging Americans to be vaccinated against the

novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The letter, which was posted to the HHS Web site on Dec. 22, stresses the fact

that the H1N1 vaccine is manufactured using the same processes used to produce

seasonal flu vaccine and has been tested and monitored for safety.

The letter also highlights the need for people in high-risk groups, including

pregnant women, young children and people with chronic medical conditions, to be

vaccinated.

The letter also points out that although flu activity has waned in recent weeks,

another wave is possible.

" If enough Americans get vaccinated, we could lessen the impact of, or perhaps

even prevent, a third wave of H1N1 flu, " says the letter. " Fighting the flu is a

shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in the fight to protect yourself

and your community by getting the H1N1 vaccine. "

Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and

Respiratory Diseases, said Dec. 22 that 111 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have

been made available.

With vaccine supplies increasing, the CDC is encouraging physicians to offer

vaccination to anyone who wants it as soon as the needs of their patients in the

initial prioritized populations have been met.

[FROM INFO BOX ON WEB PAGE]

http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/clinical-care-rese\

arch/20091223pneumo-vacc-flu.html