FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 11, 2010

Health departments encourage residents to get H1N1 vaccinations during National Influenza Vaccination Week

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared January 10th–16th National Influenza Vaccination Week. The 10 health departments of the Greater Kansas City Metro area are urging all adults and children to get their H1N1 flu shots, not only to protect themselves, but their families and fellow citizens as well.

"The CDC estimates that H1N1 has contributed to or caused more than 10,000 deaths in the United States so far, and nearly 300 pediatric flu deaths have been confirmed," said Lougene Marsh, director of the Johnson County Health Department. "Though we haven't been seeing the number of reported cases we were for a while, H1N1 is still in our community, and if you or your children haven't been vaccinated, you still may become infected."

The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe and effective — it was produced and tested using the same manufacturing process as the seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. H1N1 flu cases continue to be reported to the state health departments.

All health departments in the Greater Kansas City Metro area still have H1N1 flu vaccine available. Please contact the health department in your city or county for vaccine availability and hours of operation.

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