Flu Fact: H1N1 Flu Vaccination is VOLUNTARY

September 28, 2009

There is currently a petition circulating on a few internet sites protesting the federal government’s “mandatory” H1N1 vaccination program. Here’s a flu fact for you: the federal vaccination program for H1N1 flu is VOLUNTARY, just like the seasonal flu vaccination program. Top federal health officials highly recommend that people get vaccinated, and they stress that the vaccine is the best defense against the 2009 H1N1 flu. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes, health care workers, pregnant women, caregivers for infants under six months of age, and children and young adults from six months to 24 years of age are especially encouraged to participate in this vaccination program. The vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it, and the decision to get vaccinated is up to each individual.

Note:  In a few local jurisdictions, vaccination is being required for health care workers.  That is a local decision, not a federal one.