COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Media Advisory
FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009
MINORITY PHYSICIAN LEADERS TO GET H1N1 FLU VACCINES
H1N1 shots given to physician leaders at 7 p.m. following brief comments.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
WHAT: Minority physician leaders will roll up their sleeves to get their H1N1 flu vaccines following brief comments about the importance of H1N1 vaccinations to minority communities.
WHO: Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus City Council Member Charleta Tavares, Columbus Public Health Assistant Health Commissioner and Medical Director Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, Dr. Augustus Parker and nearly 15 other minority physicians from central Ohio.
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2009
7 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2009
WHERE: Columbus Public Health, Board Room, 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus
Columbus Public Health, Board Room, 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus
DETAILS: Minority physician leaders will get H1N1 flu shots following brief comments to encourage H1N1 vaccinations for minority residents.
In line with CDC guidance, H1N1 vaccines are initially targeted to high risk groups and their close contacts, including pregnant women; caregivers of children less than 6-months-old; healthcare and EMS workers; children 6 months to 24-years-old; and 25 to 64-years-old with underlying medical conditions. As H1N1 vaccine supplies increase, other priority groups – and eventually, everyone who wants one – will be able to get one.
Initial reports show that minorities are four times more likely to be hospitalized from H1N1 complications. Additionally, minorities are nearly three times more likely to lack access to care.
MORE INFO: Public health continues to track flu illnesses in order to take necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza. Call 211 or visit us at Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or our Web site at columbuspandemicflu.org or publichealth.columbus.gov for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources.