A Message from Governor Martin O'Malley

Hi I’m Governor Martin O’Malley, and this is your H1N1 Swine Flu update for this week.  We learned recently that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an additional six deaths associated with H1N1 Swine Flu.  And I realize that this news may raise the level of anxiety among many of our citizens, including parents of small children.

So let me assure you – our state vaccination operation is working.  It is strong.  And the levels of vaccination that we’re receiving are increasing.  We’ve already received well over 750,000 doses, and while we still have a ways to go, we are getting that vaccine out to the local health departments and providers as soon as we get it.  It is our expectation that by the end of the year we will have enough on hand for anyone who wants it. 

Last week, for the second week in a row, we again saw a downward trend in influenza activity.  While these indicators could simply represent a temporary decrease, they may also indicate that Maryland is passing the peak for this wave of flu activity.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should be any less vigilant in our response or our efforts to prevent the spread of this disease.

Stay tuned to this website for further updates, and please continue those good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of both seasonal flu and H1N1 Swine Flu.  Thanks very much.