There is an e-mail hoax circulating that says Baptist Hospital is advising people not to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. This is not true. Baptist Health believes vaccinations are key to protecting you and our patients from both H1N1 and seasonal flu.
Please feel free to share our viewpoints below regarding the H1N1 flu shots with your friends and family.
Baptist Health is following guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We strongly encourage people to get the H1N1 vaccine (when it becomes available later this month). The benefits of getting the H1N1 vaccine far outweigh any minimal risks associated with it.
Fast Facts about the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine from the CDC:
• The vaccine is made just like seasonal flu vaccines.
• The vaccine is expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
• The vaccine will not prevent "influenza-like" illnesses caused by other viruses.
• The vaccine will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get a seasonal flu shot if you want to be protected against the seasonal flu.
You can do your part to help prevent the spread of H1N1 and the seasonal flu, including:
• Get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots, and encourage others to get theirs as well.
• Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms.
• WASH YOUR HANDS (or use hand sanitizers).
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or review our Guide to H1N1 (Swine) Flu and Pandemic Outbreaks for You and Your Family