Many HR/benefits professionals have the vitally important responsibility of keeping their workforce safe and healthy. Since the H1N1 flu (aka swine flu) virulently emerged onto the world's stage in the spring of 2009, there is a great deal of interest in flu vaccinations.

The H1N1 virus is different from regular seasonal flu viruses that have spread in people over the past 30 years, so the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against this new virus.

A vaccine to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza will be ready for the public during the 2009-2010 flu season (typically December through March), but this 2009 H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Many people will be advised to get both vaccines to protect against the flu this season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. When the vaccine is available, immunization programs and providers should focus first on vaccinating as many people as possible in the following five groups:

1. Pregnant women.

2. People who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age.

3. Health care and emergency medical services personnel.

4. People between six months and 24 years of age.

5. People from the ages of 25 through 64 who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system.

It is estimated that these five groups total approximately 159 million people in the United States. Once the demand for vaccine for these groups has been met, the next group to be vaccinated includes the majority of the workforce: Everyone from the ages of 25 through 64. Unlike seasonal flu, people 65 or older appear to be less at risk of infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus than younger people. That's because over their lifetime, they may have developed antibodies from being exposed to earlier versions of the H1N1 virus. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and health care providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is an additional influenza vaccine for this flu season. So the best advice is to get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your community, and if you fall into one of the CDC-recommended groups, get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. The seasonal flu vaccine takes about ten days to two weeks to provide immunity, so if you are planning a trip, factor that time into your decision-making.

In addition, the effect of the seasonal flu vaccine lasts approximately three months, so keep that in mind, too, in deciding when to get vaccinated.

The CDC's Web site offers the following advice to help prevent the spread of flu:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze onto your sleeve or into the bend of your elbow.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

People who become severely ill or have a medical condition (weakened immune system, asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease) that places them at high risk for flu-related complications and then develop flu-like symptoms, including fever or chills and cough or sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, should immediately call their health care provider.

You wear many hats in the HR/benefits area, but none perhaps more important than keeping your employees healthy and safe. Know your facts about the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu so that you are not only a resource to your employees, but also so that you can plan your workplace flu vaccinations accordingly.