2006.11.27: Remarks as Delivered at the Kickoff of National Influenza Vaccination Week

REMARKS BY:	The Honorable Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services
PLACE:	Washington, D.C.
DATE:	November 27, 2006

Remarks as Delivered at the Kickoff of National Influenza Vaccination Week

Thank you for that introduction, Dr. Agwunobi [Assistant Secretary for Health], and thank all of you for being here this morning.

I'd like to recognize:

Dr. L.J. Tan, Director of Infectious Diseases at the American Medical Association, and Co-Chair of the National Vaccine Summit
Dr. Kenneth P. Moritsugu, Acting Surgeon General

I appreciate their efforts on this first-and what I hope will be an annual-National Influenza Vaccination Week. This week is intended to highlight the importance of flu vaccinations, and to encourage those who have not yet gotten vaccinated to do so.

I have had mine. And I hope others will as well.

Throughout the week, I, and other principals at the Department, along with many partners across the private and non-profit sectors-including the AMA, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases-will be speaking about the importance of flu vaccinations. We're hoping to reach people through a variety of means, including:

Public awareness events all across the country,
Letters to state and county medical officials-encouraging them that is a fundamental for public health to get the word out-and
Many types of Internet messaging

It's important that we reach every person possible, since, as Dr. Agwunobi just noted, the annual flu is a serious disease. Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and those you love against it.

National interest in getting a flu vaccination has traditionally tapered off after Thanksgiving, so we want to give it an extra boost this week. Flu season doesn't peak until February or later during most years. So, the time to get vaccinated is now.

Plenty of vaccine will be available-we have more than we've ever had before. We've also shipped more than ever before. More than 92 million does have already gone out, so there should be a dose for everyone who desires one.

The message is simple: Please get vaccinated, and encourage your friends and loved ones to do so as well. The only thing you want to catch this holiday season is the holiday spirit, not the flu.

And now I'd like to turn to a few video public service announcements prepared by Dr. Gerberding, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After that, I'll be happy to take a few of your questions.

Thank you.

Last revised: November 28, 2006

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