Department of Health urges healthcare professionals to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu

Saying healthcare workers are "on the front lines" of battling the H1N1 flu pandemic, the Department of Health today urged healthcare professionals across Pennsylvania to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.

"With high levels of H1N1 flu being reported statewide, it is critical for healthcare workers to stay healthy and be available to care for their patients," said Secretary of Health Everette James. "By getting vaccinated, healthcare professionals protect themselves and also their patients."

James spoke at an employee immunization clinic conducted by PinnacleHealth System at Harrisburg Hospital. The hospital plans to hold additional immunization clinics for employees to encourage as many as possible to be vaccinated.

James also announced that a statewide H1N1 vaccination campaign targeted to healthcare workers will launch in the near future. The campaign, developed with the input of healthcare professionals, offers materials for employers to use to help increase awareness of the need for healthcare workers to be vaccinated.

"We're working to inform every healthcare worker of how many lives they can protect by their decision to get vaccinated," James added. "They not only will protect themselves, but also their families, their patients and their coworkers."

All regions of the state are currently experiencing widespread influenza activity with the majority of cases reported in people between the ages of 6 months to 24 years. This age group is a priority to receive the vaccine. Other priority groups include healthcare workers, pregnant women, household contacts and childcare providers for those under six months, and those under 65 with underlying health conditions.

Members of the priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to learn if the H1N1 vaccine is available. If their provider does not plan to administer the vaccine or if an individual does not have a healthcare provider, please call 1-877-PA HEALTH or visit www.H1N1inPA.com for more information.

Once sufficient vaccine is available, public vaccination clinics will be provided.

Regardless of whether individuals have been vaccinated, there are simple actions that everyone should take to slow the spread of H1N1. Those actions include:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the used tissue in the waste basket. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto bare skin.
• Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep clean frequently used surfaces such as knobs, countertops and desks.
• Adults and children should stay home from work or school whenever they are sick, and remain home until they are fully recovered.