Important Information from the CDC regarding the H1N1 Virus

Updated January 7, 2010

NAEYC has been working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the CDC has been considering the implications of the flu pandemic for field of early childhood education. With the ongoing outbreak of the H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has requested that NAEYC inform our community of the following precautions to prevent the potential spread of H1N1 influenza virus.

The Department of Health and Human services has designated January 10-16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). For more information, please refer to this flier.

Check flu.gov frequently for the most up-to-date information on how you can protect yourself from the H1N1 flu.

Here are weekly H1N1 flu statistics.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is now available to the following high-risk groups:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

The vaccine is voluntary, but highly recommended. Find your nearest flu vaccine clinic.

Other important resources:

Flu Public Service Announcements

CDC Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season

2009 H1N1 Flu: Free Resources (printable)

Communications Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs 

The Preventive Health Advisory Board, sponsored by The Clorox Company, has published a paper called Comprehensive Steps for 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Prevention.  According to the white paper, the information will give the public a "comprehensive view of flu prevention, which demonstrates how choices people make in different settings throughout the day — many of them seemingly small — can help prevent the spread of flu among families, and sometimes entire communities."

The EPA announced that more than 500 antimicrobial products can be used to combat influenza A virus. These antimicrobial products are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the 2009-H1N1 flu.