National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

Proclamation 8472 of January 8, 2010

National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.