January 6, 2010
Flu Update: H1N1 vaccine is now available for everyone.
Flu season has not passed. Typically flu season in Maryland peaks in late January. After a month of declining numbers the CDC reports this past week an increase in reported flu cases. This could be the beginning of the next wave. It makes sense if you think of all the traveling people did over the holidays. The good news is that H1N1 flu vaccine is now readily available for everyone. If you haven’t been immunized please consider doing so now. Drugstores, doctors offices and health departments have plentiful supplies. Seasonal and H1N1 flu shots are both available now for everyone. Look around you and you will see lots of opportunity to get immunized…..it’s worth it!
September, 2009
As we inaugurate today our new website dedicated to the prevention of the spread of the flu, I share with you the guidelines we have developed for the parishes and schools of the Archdiocese. These guidelines are the result of a thorough review of our procedures last fall, a complete study of the information from the Centers for Disease Control and extensive consultation with physicians, hospitals, communicable disease specialists and other health professionals.
Because of increased understanding about the virus and the best information available now, we will not be requiring the liturgical changes and restrictions on the distribution of Communion that we made last year. The Guidelines attached are focused on common sense and around the most effective preventive measure: sick people staying at home. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any changes that need to be made.
As we are reminded in the guidelines, the most important thing we can offer is the presence of God, comforting and reassuring those who are sick and under stress. May God bless you.
In the Lord,
Edwin F. O’Brien
Archbishop of Baltimore
