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News Release

HHS Purchases 250,000 Doses of Flu Vaccine

First Shipments Will Arrive At The End Of The Week

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the purchase of 250,000 doses of flu vaccine today. The first shipment of 100,000 adult doses are being distributed to state health departments based on the state's population and should arrive over the weekend. An additional 150,000 doses of pediatric vaccine will be available in January.

"The vaccine can help ward off the flu as well as making bouts with the flu less severe," Secretary Thompson said. "And we hope that this year's greatly increased interest in the flu translates into more people, especially those at high risk, getting their flu shots early in future years. I hope that more people come to understand that flu is a serious disease -- not just this year, but every year."

The 250,000 doses of flu vaccine were purchased from drug manufacturer Aventis Pasteur. HHS is continuing to explore other options for possibly purchasing additional supplies.

"There are simple steps that all Americans can take to help stop the spread of the flu," Secretary Thompson said. "Things like cleaning your hands frequently and covering our mouth when we cough or sneeze will help keep us healthy."

HHS recommends the following steps for the public to prevent the spread of the flu:

• Clean your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Teach children the same healthy habits.

• If you have the flu or any cold, try not to infect others. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and promptly discard used facial tissues. Refrain from visiting a nursing home if you have flu like symptoms.

• If you are ill, stay home from work or school until you recover. For more information please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: December 11, 2003