HHS debuts H1N1 vaccine ad during football games

WASHINGTON The Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to advocate getting the H1N1 influenza vaccine, even this late into the season, as the agency announced last week the launch of a new H1N1 flu vaccination advertisement that aired during four college football bowl games held over the New Year's holiday.

The ad is aimed at encouraging young people and all Americans to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.

“Young Americans have been especially hard hit by the 2009 H1N1 flu,” stated HHS secretary Sebelius. “Sports events are important opportunities to encourage fans, athletes, young adults and all Americans to protect themselves by getting the H1N1 vaccine. We hope that college athletic teams across the country will continue to join us in the fight against the H1N1 flu by getting vaccinated and encouraging others to get vaccinated too.”

The spot ran during the Outback Bowl, Gator Bowl, Valero Alamo Bowl and the GMAC Bowl and can be seen at www.Flu.gov.

With more than 110 million doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine now available, “all Americans are encouraged to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones during flu season, which typically lasts from October until May,” the agency stated.

For the week ended Dec. 26, rates of reported influenza-like illnesses continued to decline, though nationwide ILI incidence is still higher than is typical for this time of the year.