HHS HealthBeat (January 18, 2010)

H1N1, American Indians and Alaska Natives

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A look at data from 12 states from April 15 through November 13 finds that American Indians and Alaska Natives are four times more likely to die of H1N1 influenza than are people in all other racial and ethnic groups combined.

The study in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said that Native people need to know more about the risks posed by H1N1 and how to protect themselves.

In support of that, the director of the Indian Health Service, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, says:

[Dr. Yvette Roubideaux speaks] ``Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community against the flu. Ask your health care provider for both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine.’’

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011