Obama Administration officials recently discussed – via a teleconference with disability leaders- the most recent information regarding the H1N1 virus and specific concerns for the disability community. Brief oral presentations were made by officials from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Officials mentioned that seasonal flu vaccinations will start nationwide within the next several weeks, starting in September, with a second round to start in mid-October, when the H1N1 vaccine will be available. They have talked with five manufacturers of the vaccine and purchased vaccine that will be distributed widely, and specifically through state health departments.

They noted that H1N1 affects people differently, but there are five groups more at risk: pregnant women, people with children less than 6 months old, health care emergency personnel, people between ages 6 months and 24 years, and people ages 25-64 who may be at higher risk due to chronic or other medical conditions. This totals about 160 million people.

Specifically in regard to disability, officials on the teleconference raised some topics and concerns. One official talked about how the direct care workforce needs to be vaccinated to ensure continuity of care or personal assistant or attendant services for people with disabilities. Another mentioned ILCs and how others involved with these services should develop plans to minimize delays and the “need to preserve the care giving unit.”

Another official noted that people with muscular disorders, children, people with metabolic conditions, people who can’t report onset of symptoms and conditions, people with pulmonary conditions, people with asthma, are also at more risk. Another official from CDC said “we don’t have great experience of the affects of this new flu on the various categories of people with disabilities.”

They emphasized taking the following steps to reduce spread and resurgence of H1N1: hand washing, covering coughs, staying home if sick, becoming involved with school & employment plans, home preparation. Another official mentioned that state health departments would be active in the vaccination program and to contact them for further details.

Officials cited the website http://www.flu.gov as a source of information (in three languages) with a wealth of information, including personal preparedness, state contacts, and other tools. They encouraged all of us to visit and learn more.