H1N1 virus, also known as "swine flu", has quickly spread around the world. A new vaccine for this virus should be ready this fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following groups get the vaccine first:
- pregnant women
- parents and others who care for children younger than 6 months of age
- health care workers
- children and young adults 6 months through 24 years of age
- adults 24 through 64 years of age who have certain long-term (chronic) medical conditions
Ask your doctor about steps you can take to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu. More information is also available from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services at http://www.flu.gov/.
