National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part VIII

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 8615--National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8615 of December 7, 2010

National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Last year, as the world prepared for a pandemic of the
2009 H1N1 influenza virus, we were reminded of the
severity and unpredictability of this serious disease.
Thousands of Americans suffered serious complications
from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, resulting in
hospitalization or even death. Tragically, influenza
and flu-related complications take American lives each
year. During National Influenza Vaccination Week, we
remind all Americans that the flu vaccine is safe and
effective in preventing the spread of flu viruses.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all people 6
months of age and older. Under the new health reform
law, the Affordable Care Act, individuals enrolled in
new group or individual private health plans have no
co-payment or deductible for influenza vaccinations.
While the flu can make even healthy children and adults
very sick, certain individuals are at greater risk for
serious complications from the flu. Pregnant women,
young children, older adults, as well as people living
with HIV, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart
disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other
chronic health conditions are especially encouraged to
get a flu vaccine. Our Nation's health care workers and
those caring for infants under 6 months of age should
also be vaccinated to protect themselves and those
within their care. I encourage all Americans to visit
www.Flu.gov for information and resources on
vaccinations and how to prevent and treat the flu.

Everyone can take steps to promote America's health
this flu season. Though there is no way to accurately
predict the course or severity of influenza, we know
from experience that it will pose serious health risks
for thousands of Americans this season. We can all take
common-sense precautions to prevent infection with
influenza, including washing hands frequently, covering
coughs or sneezes with sleeves and not hands, and
staying home when ill.

However, vaccination is the best protection against
contracting and spreading the flu. The vaccine is
available through doctors' offices, clinics, State and
local health departments, pharmacies, college and
university health centers, as well as through many
employers and some primary and secondary schools.
Seasonal flu activity is usually most intense between
January and March, and vaccinating now can help curb
the spread of this disease. Together, we can prepare as
individuals and as a Nation for this year's flu season
and help ensure that our fellow Americans remain
healthy and safe.

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 December 5 through
December 11, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination
Week. I encourage Americans to get vaccinated this week
if they have not yet done so, and to urge their
families, friends, and co-workers to do the same.

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