National Influenza Vaccination Week -- CDC Says H1N1 Swine Flu Is still Circulating, Vaccine Now Widely Available

		SUMMARY: U.S. pubic health officials have designated this week, January 10-16, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization have recently emphasized that the novel H1N1 influenza A virus -- commonly referred to as "swine flu" -- is still circulating worldwide, though the epidemic has slowed throughout much of the U.S. and in many global regions. Experts continue to encourage susceptible individuals to get the H1N1 vaccine, which is now readily available after months of limited supplies.

By Liz Highleyman

The observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week is intended to bring attention to influenza and its prevention. That may hardly seems necessary this year, given the ongoing H1N1 outbreak, but the reminder is timely because many at-risk people still have not yet received vaccinations for a variety of reasons. Swine flu is no longer garnering extensive media coverage, it has not evolved to become more deadly, some fears persist about vaccine safety, and many people have not been able to obtain the vaccine due to recent shortages.

The CDC's latest weekly flu synopsis (ending January 2, 2010) reports that doctor visits for flu-like illness decreased during the latest reporting period. Only 1 state -- Alabama -- continued to report widespread influenza activity, down from 4 the previous week. In addition, 12 states reported regional flu activity; 17 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC reported local flu activity; and 19 states reported only sporadic activity.

According to the CDC, at least 60 million Americans have received the H1N1 vaccine, and 136 million doses are currently available through local health departments, private doctors, school clinics, pharmacies, retail outlets, and other sources. Manufacturers halted production of the expected seasonal flu vaccine to focus on H1N1, which has become the dominant form of influenza this year.
"Many people are still susceptible to this virus and would benefit from vaccination," said Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "We want to avoid complacency. We have a very good supply of the H1N1 vaccine all around the country."

In August, the CDC issued a list of priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine. These include pregnant women, caretakers of infants younger than 6 months old, and healthcare personnel who have direct contact with patients. While immunocompromised individuals are also on the list, so far there has not been evidence that HIV positive people per se are more likely to experience flu-related complications or fatalities.

Below is the text of a proclamation from President Barack Obama recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week.

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
January 9, 2010

Presidential Proclamation -- National Influenza Vaccination Week

Since the first United States cases were identified in April of last year, our Nation has witnessed the worldwide spread of the H1N1 influenza virus. To date, tens of millions of Americans have contracted this virus. While the vast majority of those affected have recovered without incident, an unusually high proportion of children and younger adults have developed serious complications, resulting in hospitalization or even death. We know that influenza vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves against the flu, and my Administration moved swiftly to respond to this threat by assisting in the development of a vaccine, which is now widely available and has shown to be both safe and effective.

Every American has a role to play in fighting the H1N1 flu. Expectant mothers, children, young adults, and all those under the age of 65 with chronic health conditions are at high risk for H1N1 flu-related complications and should get the vaccine as soon as possible. Those not at high risk can protect themselves and prevent the virus from spreading to more vulnerable members of their families and communities by getting vaccinated as well.

This week presents a window of opportunity for us to prevent a possible third wave of H1N1 flu in the United States. I strongly encourage those who have not yet received the H1N1 flu vaccine to do so. Visit flu.gov to find vaccination sites in communities across our country and to stay informed. Together, we can all fight the H1N1 flu and help protect our families, friends, and neighbors.

Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week of January 10-16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this week by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine if they have not yet done so, and by asking their families, friends, and co-workers to do the same.

National Influenza Vaccination Week website

1/12/10

Sources

B Obama. Presidential Proclamation- National Influenza Vaccination Week. January 9, 2010.

CDC. 2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 52 ending January 2, 2010. CDC FluView.

CDC. 2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update. January 8, 2010.

S Young. CDC: H1N1 still circulating; vaccine plentiful. CNN (Full story). January 7, 2010.