WHEELING - A local public health official is warning people about an e-mail hoax related to the swine flu vaccine.
Becky Howell, nursing director at the Jefferson County Health Department, said she wants people to know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not require people to register or create a personal account to receive the swine flu, or H1N1, vaccine.
She said people have been receiving e-mails saying a personal profile must be created on the CDC's Web site to receive the vaccine.
"It directs you to somewhere else and asks for personal information - the CDC does not do that," Howell said. "The CDC does not require people to pre-register for the vaccine."
She noted people should always be wary of unsolicited e-mails asking for such information.
According to the CDC, the fraudulent e-mail states a "State Vaccination H1N1 Program" has been developed, and that people must create personal profiles on the CDC Web site.
The e-mail also provides the fraudulent link.
The e-mail states the profile is needed for those age 18 and older who are "the vaccinated people and the not-vaccinated ones."
According to the Associated Press, the e-mails appear to be designed to spread a computer virus.