WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services has released a series of public service announcements meant to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.

The ads were unveiled Jan. 12, one month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report indicating that Native Americans have made up a disproportionate number of deaths from the virus. The data indicated that Indians are four times more likely to die from H1N1 than other Americans.

Health officials said tribal communities have been hit especially hard by H1N1 because they tend to have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and other underlying conditions that make Indian individuals more susceptible to complications.

The PSA campaign features two radio spots and a series of television spots.

The radio PSAs are available in 30-second and 60-second formats and feature HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux.

Roubideaux is featured in one of the TV spots, while actor Wes Studi, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, appears in the others.

“This is a challenging flu season for tribal communities,” said Sebelius in her announcement of the PSAs. “That is why we continue to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to get the H1N1 flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.”

The nation’s top health official said the PSAs are important to help educate families on why getting the H1N1 vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect against the flu.

Roubideaux said H1N1 is a “serious flu” that is still a threat to American Indians and Alaska Natives, especially those with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes.

“Flu season typically lasts until May, which is why getting the H1N1 vaccine now is critical to protecting your health,” said the Rosebud Sioux doctor. “It is especially important for people with underlying health conditions to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.”

Roubideaux also said that all IHS areas are currently administering the H1N1 vaccine, and the IHS meets weekly about H1N1.

John Redd, an IHS epidemiologist who helped author the mortality report, said in an interview with Indian Country Today’s Terri Hansen that there have been no adverse reactions from the vaccine in Native populations.

“I think that person who is reluctant to get vaccinated] has to look at his or her own risk, and also remember if someone gets the flu it affects not just them, but their whole family,” Redd said.

“By getting vaccinated you are protecting your family, neighbors and community. People need to bear in mind that this particular strain in flu unfortunately has a big impact in children.”

He added, “There’s no question that we think this vaccine is safe. I’ve had the vaccine, as have my kids and my wife.”

HHS officials said top scientists and doctors at IHS and the CDC worked closely with tribal leaders and communities to develop the messages.

Reaction to the development has been met positively by the National Indian Health Board and other Indian health officials.

“NIHB is very pleased to see the elevation of this critical issue for Indian country and the development of targeted messages for our communities,” said Jessica Burger, NIHB deputy director, in a statement.

“Indian country’s population absolutely needs education regarding the severity of this disease along with increased availability of the vaccine to combat this devastating illness.”

The statement also said NIHB applauds the Obama’s administration’s handling of H1N1.

“The ongoing efforts this administration and Department of Health and Human Services’ outreach and education that is being done in Indian country demonstrates the commitment President Obama has to improve Indian health. As a registered nurse, I strongly encourage that every Indian person seeks and receives the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves and their families,” said Burger, the former health director of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The PSAs are available at www.flu.gov/psa/index.html under the heading “Help Keep Indian Country Healthy.”