LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) scheduled from Jan. 10 to Jan. 16. The week highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

"Since 2009 H1N1 influenza disease is likely to continue, people should still get the H1N1 vaccine," said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski, who received the H1N1 influenza vaccination on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at the Ingham County Health Department. "This is a great time to get the vaccine if you haven't already."

When people get vaccinated, they help their community by preventing the spread of the flu virus. If enough Americans get vaccinated, it could lessen the impact or even prevent a third wave of H1N1 flu.

"Influenza is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave for the H1N1 virus," said Dr. Greg Holzman, chief medical executive of MDCH. "We do know that vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza."

Although H1N1 activity has decreased, Holzman warned that there are still four months of flu season remaining adding that, "People can still get sick from this flu so it's not too late to get vaccinated."

While the seasonal flu is often most serious for older adults, H1N1 has affected many children, younger adults and middle-aged adults. Although vaccination is the best way to prevent H1N1, Holzman said people need to take other precautions as well such as practicing good cough etiquette, washing their hands frequently and staying at home if they are sick.

The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is now available to all Michigan residents. You can call your local county health department or the 2-1-1 public information hotline to find out where to get the vaccine. If 2-1-1 doesn't work in your area, you can call 866-561-2500 or 800-552-1183. You can also visit www.google.com/flushot or the MDCH Web site at www.michigan.gov/flu.