Gov. Gregoire proclaims Influenza Vaccination Week

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today proclaimed January 10�16, 2010, �Influenza Vaccination Week� in Washington state.

�We know that getting a vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu, and with millions of doses available for everyone, now is the time to get one to protect yourself and your family,� Gregoire said. �The flu season is expected to continue for months. It�s important that people of all ages, especially children and seniors, get vaccinated to help keep our families, communities and ourselves safe and healthy.�

Washington�s proclamation is part of a national effort lead by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to encourage those who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated to help lessen the impacts of the flu season.

More than 1.5 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been shipped to Washington. Individuals should check with their health care provider about getting vaccinated. Retail pharmacies, grocery stores and local health agencies (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) also may have vaccine.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health�s H1N1 (swine flu) Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/).

A copy of the Governor�s proclamation is available at:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/docs/vacweekgov.pdf