Press Release

December 23, 2009

 

H1N1 Vaccinations Still A High Priority

State Public Health Director gets H1N1 vaccination
and urges others to do the same
 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – By being vaccinated himself, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today showed Illinoisans that it is still important to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Reports of flu are decreasing, but influenza is unpredictable. Flu activity may continue for several weeks and other waves of influenza caused by 2009 H1N1 or regular seasonal flu viruses may occur.

“Although we are seeing decreased illness in Illinois, the H1N1 flu is still circulating and holiday parties and family get-togethers where people congregate offer a great opportunity for the flu to spread,” said Dr. Arnold. “Your best protection against getting the flu is to get vaccinated. The more people who get vaccinated now, the better chance we have of reducing the risk of a third wave of H1N1 flu in the future.”

Anyone is eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine in Illinois. Local health departments, pharmacies and some private clinics are currently providing vaccinations around the state.

Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically between $12 and $22. This fee is covered by most health insurance. People should bring their health insurance information with them to the pharmacy, and they may need to submit a receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement. Those without health insurance can receive an H1N1 flu vaccination free of charge at all local health departments in Illinois.

For a list of public H1N1 vaccination sites and clinic times, as well as additional information on the 2009 H1N1 flu, log onto www.ready.illinois.gov.

For questions about the H1N1 flu, call the Illinois Flu Hotline at 866- 848-2094 – translators are available.





idph online home
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Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone 217-782-4977
Fax 217-782-3987
TTY 800-547-0466
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