Dear Resident,
I am asking for your help with an important survey called the National 2009 H1N1 Flu Survey that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting. The United States and many other countries are experiencing a new type of the flu called 2009 H1N1 flu. It is also known as Swine Flu or Pandemic Flu. This flu is different from seasonal flu. This survey will provide an accurate picture of the flu vaccinations the public has received as well as information about other important flu related issues. In the next few weeks, your household will be called to take part in the survey. I have included information below to answer questions you may have. To learn more, you may also visit our website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Why should I participate?
Your answers help local, state, and federal health officials measure vaccination coverage and understand the reasons why people get vaccinations. It also helps policy makers understand what people know about the H1N1 flu. For example, results from this survey are used to develop programs to make it easier for people to get vaccinated. We need your thoughts to help policymakers plan flu prevention programs in the future.
How do I participate?
We work together with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago (NORC). Someone from NORC will call you in the next few weeks to conduct the survey. If you would like to take part now or learn more about what you will be asked, you may call the survey’s toll-free number at 1-800-993-0495.
How was my household chosen?
Your telephone number was picked by a computer, and we found the address for your telephone number through commercial listings. We need to interview every household selected for the survey to get a complete picture of the vaccinations received in your area and across the country.
Will my answers be confidential?
We are bound by law to maintain strict confidentiality standards to protect your information. Every employee involved with this study has taken an oath and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both if ANY information is disclosed that could identify you or your household. Your answers are used for vaccination-related research purposes only. If you have questions about your rights as a study participant you may call 1-800-223-8118, toll-free. Be prepared to leave a message and say you are calling about protocol 2006-04, amendment 52.
What information is available about immunizations and about places that provide them?
You may call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toll-free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for more information about vaccinations or the phone number of a doctor or clinic near you.
We need your help to make this study a success. Although participation is voluntary, we hope you will agree to take part. Your answers will help improve the nation’s health now and in the years ahead. We appreciate your taking the time to talk to us. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Sondik, Ph.D.
Director, National Center for Health Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you prefer to contact us using a TTY, please call the AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-855-2880 and request that 1-800-993-0495 be called.
CDC National 2009 H1N1 Flu Survey Website: http://www.cdc.gov/NIS/h1n1_introduction.htm