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December 7, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Germany

SOURCE:U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Berlin issued the following Warden Message on December 4:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1. There is currently a strong increase in the number of confirmed H1N1 cases in Germany. As of December 1, there have been 172,627 confirmed cases. German authorities have procured vaccines and are closely tracking the spread of H1N1, but have not taken actions to quarantine individuals or limit travel. No entry/exit screening measures have been implemented at ports of entry.

Vaccination

Europe has vaccines that are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), which authorizes vaccines and medicines in all European Union member states. More information on the European H1N1 vaccine can be found at http://www.emea.europa.eu/influenza/vaccines/pandemrix/pandemrix.html.

The distribution of the H1N1 vaccine in Germany, which began on October 26, is organized by the federal states. The German Health Ministry (BMG) has launched an online platform to answer H1N1-related questions. The website, http://www.neuegrippe.bund.de, provides general information on H1N1 in 11 languages, as well as links to Germany's state health officials in charge of implementing the vaccination program.

According to information from the Robert Koch Institute (the federal infectious diseases institute), Germany's strategy is to vaccinate three groups of people first: health care workers, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. However, the Robert Koch Institute has confirmed that anyone interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccination will be able to receive it.

The Embassy and Consulates General in Germany are not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.

Information on the current situation in Germany

In addition to the website http://www.neuegrippe.bund.de mentioned above, current information can be obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health at 0800/44 00 55 0 (Monday to Thursday 8:00-18:00, Friday 8:00-12:00, weekends and holidays 10:00-16:00). Further information can be found on the Robert Koch Institute website at: www.rki.de/influenza.

Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State


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