The Indian Health Service is unveiling a public service announcement campaign to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux will participate in a conference call tomorrow to discuss the campaign and other efforts to keep American Indians and Alaska Natives healthy during the flu season. Also joining the call will be Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Indians and Alaska Natives are more likely to die from H1N1 than any other racial or ethnic group. Ralph T. Bryan, the senior tribal liaison for science and public health at the CDC, also will be on the call.

President Barack Obama declared this week to be National Influenza Vaccination Week. "Together, we can all fight the H1N1 flu and help protect our families, friends, and neighbors," he said in a proclamation.

Also Today:
American Indians found at high risk from swine flu (The Sacramento Bee 1/11)

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