[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8615--DEC. 7, 2010

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

[[Page 4766]]

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA