Department of Health Encourages Healthcare Workers Across Pennsylvania to Receive H1N1 Vaccine

Department of Health Encourages Healthcare Workers Across Pennsylvania to
Receive H1N1 Vaccine

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saying healthcare workers
are "on the front lines" of battling the H1N1 flu pandemic, the Department of
Health today urged healthcare professionals across Pennsylvania to be
vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.

"With high levels of H1N1 flu being reported statewide, it is critical for
healthcare workers to stay healthy and be available to care for their
patients," said Secretary of Health Everette James. "By getting vaccinated,
healthcare professionals protect themselves and also their patients."

James spoke at an employee immunization clinic conducted by PinnacleHealth
System at Harrisburg Hospital. The hospital plans to hold additional
immunization clinics for employees to encourage as many as possible to be
vaccinated.

James also announced that a statewide H1N1 vaccination campaign targeted to
healthcare workers will launch in the near future. The campaign, developed
with the input of healthcare professionals, offers materials for employers to
use to help increase awareness of the need for healthcare workers to be
vaccinated.

"We're working to inform every healthcare worker of how many lives they can
protect by their decision to get vaccinated," James added. "They not only will
protect themselves, but also their families, their patients and their
coworkers."

All regions of the state are currently experiencing widespread influenza
activity with the majority of cases reported in people between the ages of 6
months to 24 years. This age group is a priority to receive the vaccine. Other
priority groups include healthcare workers, pregnant women, household contacts
and childcare providers for those under six months, and those under 65 with
underlying health conditions.

Members of the priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to
learn if the H1N1 vaccine is available. If their provider does not plan to
administer the vaccine or if an individual does not have a healthcare
provider, please call 1-877-PA HEALTH or visit www.H1N1inPA.com for more
information.

Once sufficient vaccine is available, public vaccination clinics will be
provided.

Regardless of whether individuals have been vaccinated, there are simple
actions that everyone should take to slow the spread of H1N1. Those actions
include:

-- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and
put the used tissue in the waste basket. If you don't have a tissue,
sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto
bare
skin.
-- Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose
and
eyes.
-- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an
alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
-- Keep clean frequently used surfaces such as knobs, countertops and
desks.

-- Adults and children should stay home from work or school whenever they
are sick, and remain home until they are fully recovered.

A wide range of H1N1 information is available online at www.H1N1inPA.com.

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Stacy Kriedeman of PA Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783