Word from White House on Swine Flu

Fellow Americans,

This spring we were confronted with an outbreak of a troubling flu virus
called 2009-H1N1. As the fall flu season approaches, it is critical that we
reinvigorate our preparedness efforts across the country in order to
mitigate the effects of this virus on our communities.

Today, we are holding an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit in conjunction
with the White House to discuss our Nation's preparedness. We are working
together to monitor the spread of 2009-H1N1 and to prepare to initiate a
voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009-H1N1 flu virus, assuming
we have a safe vaccine and do not see changes in the virus that would render
the vaccine ineffective.

But the most critical steps to mitigating the effects of 2009-H1N1 won't
take place in Washington they will take place in your homes, schools and
community businesses.

Taking precautions for this fall's flu season is a responsibility we all
share. Visit Flu.gov to make sure you are ready and learn how you can help
promote public awareness.

We are making every effort to have a safe and effective vaccine available
for distribution as soon as possible, but our current estimate is that it
won't be ready before mid-October. This makes individual prevention even
more critical. Wash your hands regularly. Take the necessary precautions to
stay healthy and if you do get sick, stay home from work or school.

We are doing everything possible to prepare for the fall flu season and
encourage all Americans to do the same this is a shared responsibility and
now is the time to prepare. Please visit Flu.gov to learn what steps you can
take to prepare and do your part to mitigate the effects of
H1N1.

Take Care,

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security
Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education,

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111

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