[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 237 (Friday, December 10, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 77519-77520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31292]



[[Page 77517]]

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Part VIII





The President





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Proclamation 8615--National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010
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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 237 / Friday, December 10, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8615 of December 7, 2010

                
National Influenza Vaccination Week, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Last year, as the world prepared for a pandemic of the 
                2009 H1N1 influenza virus, we were reminded of the 
                severity and unpredictability of this serious disease. 
                Thousands of Americans suffered serious complications 
                from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, resulting in 
                hospitalization or even death. Tragically, influenza 
                and flu-related complications take American lives each 
                year. During National Influenza Vaccination Week, we 
                remind all Americans that the flu vaccine is safe and 
                effective in preventing the spread of flu viruses.

                Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all people 6 
                months of age and older. Under the new health reform 
                law, the Affordable Care Act, individuals enrolled in 
                new group or individual private health plans have no 
                co-payment or deductible for influenza vaccinations. 
                While the flu can make even healthy children and adults 
                very sick, certain individuals are at greater risk for 
                serious complications from the flu. Pregnant women, 
                young children, older adults, as well as people living 
                with HIV, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart 
                disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other 
                chronic health conditions are especially encouraged to 
                get a flu vaccine. Our Nation's health care workers and 
                those caring for infants under 6 months of age should 
                also be vaccinated to protect themselves and those 
                within their care. I encourage all Americans to visit 
                www.Flu.gov for information and resources on 
                vaccinations and how to prevent and treat the flu.

                Everyone can take steps to promote America's health 
                this flu season. Though there is no way to accurately 
                predict the course or severity of influenza, we know 
                from experience that it will pose serious health risks 
                for thousands of Americans this season. We can all take 
                common-sense precautions to prevent infection with 
                influenza, including washing hands frequently, covering 
                coughs or sneezes with sleeves and not hands, and 
                staying home when ill.

                However, vaccination is the best protection against 
                contracting and spreading the flu. The vaccine is 
                available through doctors' offices, clinics, State and 
                local health departments, pharmacies, college and 
                university health centers, as well as through many 
                employers and some primary and secondary schools. 
                Seasonal flu activity is usually most intense between 
                January and March, and vaccinating now can help curb 
                the spread of this disease. Together, we can prepare as 
                individuals and as a Nation for this year's flu season 
                and help ensure that our fellow Americans remain 
                healthy and safe.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim December 5 through 
                December 11, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination 
                Week. I encourage Americans to get vaccinated this week 
                if they have not yet done so, and to urge their 
                families, friends, and co-workers to do the same.

[[Page 77520]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-31292
Filed 12-9-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P