As the United States approaches the second wave of swine flu during autumn, President Barack Obama urged his fellow Americans to get the H1N1 shot when it is available.

The President called on American citizens to take some steps to help prevent the impact of swine flu like staying at home when they are sick, washing hands frequently and covering sneezes with a sleeve instead of a hand.

Following the federal governments' coordinated approach to fight the outbreak, the president elaborated his plans to revamp his H1N1 flu vaccination program. Although it is voluntary but it will be strongly recommended.

The President is continuously receiving regular briefings on the flu pandemic, noted the officials. The White House confirmed that the President has directed his officials to "spare no effort in addressing this national security challenge". He takes briefings from one Cabinet member and other top officials on this issue.

The President's council of Advisers on Science and Technology warned about the possibility of half of the American citizens being affected by the H1N1 virus. They also said that almost 90,000 could die which is more than twice the death toll caused by a typical flu.

The United States was hit by the H1N1 flu this spring and the health officials are expecting an even more severe outbreak in the upcoming autumn months. It could lead to
1.8 million patients being hospitalized in the United States according to the planning scenario.

President Obama assured that steady progress is being made in developing a vaccine for swine flu and whenever it is ready and available a widespread and intense inoculation program will begin.