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DENVER, COLO. -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Wednesday announced that Colorado's flu vaccination rates for both seasonal influenza and 2009 H1N1 are better than national rates, and in some cases, significantly better.

According to data from two surveys, the National 2009 H1N1 Flu survey and CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, for children and teens younger than 18, Colorado's seasonal flu vaccination rate was 60.3 percent, almost twice as high as the national average of 34 percent.

The same age group in Colorado was vaccinated for H1N1 at only a slightly higher rate than the national average, 32.1 percent compared to 27.6 percent.

Combined rates that look at children and adults show Colorado's seasonal flu vaccination rate at 42.6 percent compared to the national average of 34.4 percent.

The H1N1 combined rate, however, is just 14.8 percent compared to 13.6 percent nationally.

"I'm pleased that we managed to do better than national averages, but disappointed that all rates aren't better," said Ned Calonge, the state's chief medical officer.

"For example, combined H1N1 rates, 14.8 percent in Colorado and 13.6 nationally, are nothing to write home about. These rates reveal the vast majority of the population is still vulnerable to this illness, which continues to circulate among all populations. Additionally, we are concerned that adults with chronic health conditions and the elderly remain at increased risk for complications from influenza."

Calonge reminded the public that H1N1 can spread during any season, as it did last summer when it spread through the U.S. Air Force Academy and many Colorado-based children's camps.

"While interest in H1N1 vaccinations has waned, flu season is not over and individuals still are encouraged to get the vaccine, which is safe, effective and available in ample supply statewide, including at retail pharmacies," he said.

For more information on H1N1 vaccination locations and times go to www.immunizecolorado.com or call 1-877-462-2911.