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October 21, 2009

Bennett Encourages Utahns to be Vigilant in Preparing for H1N1

Prompting follows an H1N1 update from federal officials at Senate hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC), today urged Utahns to take the necessary precautions in preparing for an H1N1 flu outbreak, also known as swine flu.

"I am concerned by the spread of the H1N1 flu virus across the globe and specifically in Utah," said Bennett. "I urge all Utahns to visit www.flu.gov to be proactive and learn more about H1N1 and the vaccination. We need to be vigilant and prepare our schools and hospitals to handle further cases of H1N1. I will continue to work with Congress and local officials in Utah to provide the necessary resources to ensure we treat the current outbreak and prepare for any future influenza pandemics."

Today Bennett and members of the Homeland Security committee held a hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, regarding H1N1 flu and monitoring the nation's response. During the hearing the secretaries indicated the vaccine that is beginning to be circulated is effective and would be available to all those who want one.

As of last week, virtually all states have reported widespread or regional outbreaks. Nationwide there have been over 20,000 hospitalizations and over 2,300 deaths. In Utah, there have been 28 deaths related to H1N1, and 575 hospitalizations reported this year, according to the Utah Department of Health.

Visit http://www.flu.gov to learn more about H1N1 activity, the H1N1 vaccination, and how to stay healthy.

Click here to locate a vaccine near you in Utah.

 

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http://bennett.senate.gov

 

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