DHSS Press Release

Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Carl Kanefsky, Communications Director
(302) 540-4979, Pager
Email: carl.kanefsky@delaware.gov

Date: November 18, 2010
DHSS-84-2010

DPH REMINDS DELAWAREANS TO GET A FLU SHOT AS H1N1 IS CONFIRMED

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to urge all Delawareans 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu, a highly contagious virus. On Nov. 16, the DPH lab confirmed a case of H1N1 flu in a 50 year-old New Castle County man. The individual is recovering at home. This serves as a reminder that people should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

This year, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against three likely flu strains, including the H1N1 virus, and is readily available through medical providers, pharmacies and DPH clinics. The time to protect ourselves and our loved ones is now.

"If you are vaccinated, you're ensuring that you won't get sick, and you won't spread disease to others, including your loved ones," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "Unvaccinated, you run the risk of becoming infected. So please, get vaccinated."

It is especially important that the following groups get their flu shots as soon as possible:

Pregnant women and their household contacts;
Caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months, since those children are too young to receive the vaccine;
Seniors;
Those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.

DPH offers free flu shots at health clinics in all three counties. Please visit www.flu.delaware.gov for flu clinic schedules and other flu information.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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DPH REMINDS DELAWAREANS TO GET A FLU SHOT AS H1N1 IS CONFIRMED

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