Posted on 09/01/2009 5:10:04 PM PDT by neverdem
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: On the first day of National Preparedness Month, President Obama cautioned that people “not be alarmed” but be prepared” for the second wave of the H1N1 virus this fall and gave a brief update on the administration’s efforts.
“We know that we usually get a second, larger wave of these flu viruses in the fall, and so response plans have been put in place across all levels of government,” Mr. Obama said from the Rose Garden this afternoon, “Our plans and decisions are based on the best scientific information available, and as the situation changes, we will continue to update the public.”
The President said the government is making “steady progress” developing a safe and effective vaccine.
“We expect a flu shot program will begin soon. This program will be completely voluntary, but it will be strongly recommended.”
The President met in the Oval office earlier today with White House Homeland Security Adviser John Brennan, CDC Director Tom Frieden and Secretaries Sebelius, Napolitano, Duncan and Locke, all of whom surrounded him today in the Rose Garden.
The President called on every American to play a role in responding to the virus – from state and local governments, to hospitals and local businesses, calling on them have plans in place to deal with increase patients and workers who may need to stay home.
“We need state and local governments on the frontlines to make anti-viral medications and vaccines available, and be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to support the health care system. We need hospitals and health care providers to continue preparing for an increased patient load and to take steps to protect health care workers. We need families and businesses to ensure that they have plans in place if a family member, a child or a coworkers contracts the flu and needs to stay home.”
Obama also called on individuals to be informed of their risk factors and to take “common sense steps” that can help make a difference in spreading the virus.
“Stay home if you're sick. Wash your hands frequently. Cover your sneezes with your sleeve, not your hands. And take all the necessary precautions to stay healthy. I know it sounds simple, but it's important and it works.”
The President said that he is “absolutely confident” that his team has prepared well for the anticipated outbreak in the fall.
“We anticipate that there will be some issues coming up over the next several months. The way it's moving is still somewhat unpredictable. But what I'm absolutely confident about is that our team that's assembled here has done an extraordinary job in preparing for whatever may happen.”
Switching gears, the President Obama also took time to highlight “good news” on the economy, evidenced by the ISM manufacturing report released today as one more sign that the nation is “on the path to economic recovery” at the top of his Rose Garden remarks.
“For the first time in 18 months, our manufacturing sector has expanded,” Obama said in the Rose Garden this afternoon, “And the statistics used to measure manufacturing output is the highest it's been in over two years.”
The ISM report, a trade group of purchasing executives, said the manufacturing index rose from 52.9 in August from 48.9 in July, and is the first reading above 50 since January of 2008.
Despite this, Mr. Obama said that no doubt there is still a long way to go.
“I and the other members of this administration will not let up until those Americans who are looking for jobs can find them. But this is another important sign we're heading in the right direction and that the steps we've taken to bring our economy back from the brink are working.”
-Sunlen Miller
Debating between death and taking ANYTHING strongly suggested by BO.
Kidding.
Well, Doctor 0bama ought to know. After all, he does know when tonsils should come out and diabetics feet should be amputated.
and I can keep my insurance...
Take the Swine shot get a brain disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome
How nice of him to make in “voluntary”. All hail our glorious gracious Leader! All Hail!
Putz!
Mr. Forked Tongue speaking.
I have had it with this Muslum deceiver. Obama can go F himself.
Does this mean Biden will stay away from planes, trains and automobiles?
There’s no way this govt is injecting me with anything.
bambi and his kids first ....
I thought earlier this year he was saying maybe you should take the pain killer instead of having the surgery. Shouldn’t we just be treating the symptoms and sneezing on our sleeves (that’s right he said that, don’t bother with tissues anymore).
I plan to vaccinate myself for H1N1 with a live virus. It works this way: go thru normal fall/winter activites, and come down with H1N1. I’ll then drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest (and NO aspirin - the big problem in 1918). After that, I’ll be immune to future H1N1 infections.
That is my thought exactly!
Is our dear leader planning on getting a swine flu vaccination?
I’m not planning on it...but I’m certainly not falling for his “do as I say, and not as I do” Let’s see his photo-op with his rolled up sleeve getting this poorly tested vaccination.
Good point.... Freudian slip on the part of -11bama and his chief "drug mixing bioethisist" Zeke?
Every death is a dollar not given to the Barry government.
Therefore, of course it is “strongly recommended” we take the H1N1 vaccine..../s
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