This is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and today is the day dedicated to spreading the word about the importance of influenza vaccines in children and young adults-both seasonal influenza and H1N1. 

I continue to get questions about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.  The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way seasonal flu vaccines are made every year. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that the vaccine is not only safe, but also an excellent match for the H1N1 flu virus. No vaccine can be guarenteed to be completely risk-free, but remember that the choice not to vaccinate also carries a risk. 

Right now, there are not many cases of H1N1, or seasonal influenza in our community, but I expect that there will be another wave of illness starting in the next month or so. 

There is currently enough H1N1 vaccine for all children and adults to get the vaccine.

Google Flu Trends is an interesting and accurate way to keep track of influenza activity. 

Click here for Twin Cities Influenza trends.

In the past, they tracked only national trends, but now are tracking by major city.  The trend looks good for us right now, but you can see previous years’ influenza trends on the graph.  We have not seen the last of influenza this season.

Stay well.