MINNEAPOLIS, February 25, 2010 – The Minnesota Department of Health is encouraging physicians to urge patients to get the H1N1 vaccination.

While the H1N1 pandemic appears to be waning, it is still possible for a third wave to occur or for the virus to reemerge later in 2010 or in 2011. CDC still recommends influenza vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. Vaccine supplies are ample, and so all who want to protect themselves are encouraged to receive the shot, even those over 65 years old.

Patients can search for an H1N1 flu shot clinic near their zip code by visiting: www.health.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/idepc/h1n1_fluschedule/fluclinic_search.cgi. The MNFluLine is also available at 1-866-259-4655 for questions to be answered over the phone.

Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration recently decided to include the H1N1 influenza virus as one of three strains in the 2010/2011 seasonal flu shot.

Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate between 41 million and 84 million infections, between 183,000 and 378,000 hospitalizations, and between 8,330 and 17,160 deaths caused by H1N1 influenza in the United States – all since last April.

The Minnesota Department of Health reports 1,548 confirmed hospitalizations and approximately 60 deaths. Though these numbers are not as alarming as once anticipated, they do suggest a need for greater vigilance than in years past. Now is a good time to remind patients that it remains critical to practice proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette and get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations.

H1N1 vaccination is a good idea for everyone, but there are still certain groups at high risk including those:
• Age 6 months through 24 years, whether or not you have a medical condition
• Age 25 years through 64 years, if you have a chronic medical condition that would put you at risk for complications (see list below)
• Pregnant
• Working as a health care provider or as emergency medical services personnel
• Living with or caring for children under 6 months of age

H1N1 vaccination is also a good idea for anyone with the following chronic health conditions:
• Asthma or lung disease
• Heart disease (but not high blood pressure)
• Kidney or liver disease
• Metabolic disease, like diabetes
• Anemia and other blood disorders
• Muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy, that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
• Weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other diseases, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• Anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome if they got the flu).