October 23, 2009

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

The H1N1 virus has been at the forefront of the minds of parents, employers and residents since reports of infection in the U.S. first surfaced this past spring. As Mayor, I want to ensure that we are proactive in our efforts to limit the effects this illness could have on our community and our local economy.

Today the Milwaukee Health Department began administering the vaccine to City of Milwaukee residents in an effort to curb the spread of disease throughout the community.

The H1N1 flu vaccine will be provided free of charge and on a voluntary first-come, first-served basis.

Although we will eventually provide vaccinations for all residents, the doses we’re providing at our first public clinic are mainly of the “nasal spray” variety, which are for healthy people aged 2 years to 49 years who do not have any underlying chronic medical conditions.

The Health Department is strongly recommending that healthy people aged 2 years to 24 years get the vaccine to reduce influenza transmission in K-12 school and college settings. In addition, healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who are either health care workers or who live with or care for infants less than 6 months of age should also get vaccinated now.

When more doses of the injectable H1N1 flu vaccine are available, the Health Department will be able to provide vaccination to those at high risk of complications of flu but who can’t get the nasal vaccine, like pregnant women and those with underlying or chronic medical conditions.

It is important to stress that the H1N1 vaccines are made the same way as the regular seasonal flu vaccine, and, like the seasonal flu vaccine are very safe and effective. H1N1 vaccines have been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Once the City’s vaccine supply is ample and those who are at a higher risk have been served, I will get the vaccine and plan to have my family do so as well.

I encourage everyone in the recommended groups to get vaccinated now to prevent illness and the spread of disease to others in the community. Today’s clinic is the first in a series for the Milwaukee Health Department. As vaccine supplies remain available, we will continue to hold public vaccination clinics over the next several weeks to ensure that public demand is met.

For more information about the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, please visit the Milwaukee Health Department’s home page.

Be healthy and stay well,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor