On Faith at the Washington Post wants to know. (And that’s “swine flu” to some of you.)
Here’s one opinion that says getting a vaccine is a moral duty. And here’s another that promotes personal choice.
Your thoughts?
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Dating Jesus 
I’m outside the age group that’s SUPPOSED to get the vaccination (maybe this is my death panel experience!). Something about having been vaccinated around the time of the last Swine Flu epidemic? Although I sure don’t remember that.
The thing is, I haven’t had a flu shot in 35 years (and of course THAT one left me out flat for at least 24 hours), and I haven’t had the flu. That’s not a brag or an assumption, just a statement.
There are people who think this is some kind of “government conspiracy,” and that the vaccine hasn’t been proven to their satisfaction, and that the vaccine will be at least as dangerous as the illness. What to do?
I do not fall into that last category– the conspiracy theorists — but I’ve never had a flu shot and was happily going to skip this go-round, as well. I would smack myself if I infected any one because of this choice, but I’ve never had the flu, either. Wonder if Cynical and I are just too mean to infect?
I sure hope so!
I used to think it was because I was just naturally strong and healthy — but various health-incidents in recent years have disproven THAT theory.
But my old boyfriend would get sick and I wouldn’t, and my students would get sick and I wouldn’t except for a cold every few years — maybe they should grind me up and inject ME!
Interesting. I’ve certainly been sick but I don’t think I have had the flu.
Would you post the link? No point in ALL of us researching it!
Might this be it? http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/news_cut/archive/2009/10/h1n1_flu_qa_with_lorna_benson.shtml
“No point in ALL of us researching it!”
Which is why I come here everyday! Well, that and the ice cream.
And the foot rubs! Don’t forget to tell all your friends about the foot rubs!
This is just not fair. I don’t get ice cream OR foot rubs. How do I sign up for that? Do I have to be a platinum dj blog member or something?
Frankly, Jac, you’re still on Super-Secret Probation. It’s your crappy attitude. I’m sorry to have to tell you this way.
HAHAHAHAAH and ha. Is joke I make.
Ah-ha!! I suspected it may be something like that given my fondness for Jon & Kate plus 8.
Maybe you should check with your pulmonologist and ask about the vaccine. :-)
Why, Jac! Are you being a nag? Because I will come to your house and steal your crutches if you are.
Not me! I was thinking that I was more like the angel that appears on your shoulder to gently remind you to take good care of yourself because that angel cares about you.
Ok, to balance that sweetness out, I’ll say this. It’s no one’s business but yours to know what you decide to do.
Nope, I appreciate the nudge. I will go a loooong time before I’ll see a doctor, and I don’t know why that is. I haven’t had horrible experiences with doctors or anything like that. I think this is one of those ignit genetic things. “What? Severed limb? Yeah, that’s mine, but honest, I’m fine!”
Well, I don’t blame you. Last time I saw a doctor, I ended up on crutches!
Yeah, but within a veerrrrry short period of time, you’ll be able to do the shimmy-shimmy shake with the best of them!
You’re right! I’ll get my go-go boots out so I’m ready!
Go-go boots~ White with little tassles?
Yes and they are green so they go with my Tinkerbell outfit, too.
I’d rather keep you whole, Cynical. ;-)
Given the experience we’ve had with making vaccines, I feel that they would be as safe as any other flu vaccine. As soon as available, I’ll get the H1N1 and the regular flu shots for my kids, and then for me, too. I’ll be working with patients this winter so I think I should get it, too. My son has asthma, so I think it’s a good idea to get the protection. In the past, my husband has gotten them at work, but this year it’s all different. He may be on his own to get it.
I don’t think it’s right to tell other people what to do EXCEPT if a person does get sick with the flu, they should stay at home until better. The more people that the virus travels through, the more opportunity it will have to mutation into something more virulent. H1N1 is more closely related to the deadly 1918 virus that was very deadly than the regular seasonal flu virus from what I’ve heard. That particular virus was more deadly among otherwise healthy people because it caused an overreaction in the immune system and that ended up being responsible for many of the deaths. My Grandfather lost his brother that way. He used to tell me that they were playing on Wednesday(I think) and he was dead by Sunday(I think). It was quick to kill. I pray that the current H1N1 doesn’t become as deadly.
Unfortunately, a co-worker of my husband’s lost her 18 year old nephew a few weeks ago to H1N1. Sad.
That’s just awful, and this is maybe the first time I’ve even considered getting vaccinated. At my day job, I come into contact with a great deal of people and I want neither to be infected, nor to be a carrier. The way the question was posted at the Post, I’m rethinking my hard-headed, libertarian approach to this. It’s not that I think the vaccine is unsafe, but more that I don’t want that crap in me.
I hope that the facts are forthcoming and the scare-tactic opinions on either side are kept out of the information delivery to the public. Maybe opinions and advice should come from well-informed doctors if needed. It seems that the bigger problem is with having enough vaccines for the people that do want them. So, far, they haven’t been generally available to many at all. My kids are on a list at their pediatrician’s office and the office doesn’t even know if they’ll ever get them.
I did hear about healthcare workers speaking out in states that have determined that H1N1 vaccines are mandatory for them. (e.g in New York State) I’m not sure how I feel about that. I don’t like the idea of mandatory but I don’t like the idea of unvaccinated healthcare workers either. Quite a conundrum.
I read about that, the health care workers who didn’t want to be vaccinated.
I’m usually pretty much about the personal freedoms but I have no hesitation with health care workers being required to have certain vaccinations. As far as I know, most facilities require it anyway, with or without laws. I worked in a hospital, not even as a healthcare worker, and I was required to have the Hep A, yearly tb tests and the flu shot. It’s part of the job, sort of like how nurses are required to keep their nails short, it’s about preventing the spread.
That makes sense to me.
What I don’t like is that because I had a positive TB test once when I was a teenager, I cannot have tine tests. Since I’m beginning on a new career in healthcare, I’ll have to have annual chest x-rays. I’m not thrilled about that.
Is there any way to correct that? I mean, did you actually have TB?
No, I never had TB, but I suppose I was exposed at one point. I went through a year on meds after that (I don’t remember why). My current doc said that I can’t have tine tests now, but I’ll need to have annual chest x-rays to prove no active infection.
BTW – I’ve had lots of flu shots over the years and have never had a reaction. leftover, your experience sounds awful. Are you allergic to eggs, too? I’ve heard that people with egg allergies need to avoid most vaccines since they are manufactured using eggs.
I get the flu shot every year since I have asthma, even though it’s incredibly mild. Friends who have had H1N1 have said the respiratory problems are really bad and can last for weeks after you are otherwise better.
I haven’t had the flu in about ten years but I’ve been getting a flu shot for many of those.
I don’t know what’s my issue. I have never had the flu and I do have mild asthma and I know it could be really bad even with mild asthma.
1. The “flu” you got after the flu shot probably wasn’t the flu, or it was a different strain.
2. Flu shots offer 70% protection.
3. As for me, and speaking for people with infants, that are pregnant and immunocompromised,please get the H1N1 vaccine. More are already dead from this flu than normal, and it isn’t even the start of the flu season. I’m getting it as soon as its available. My kids and husband too. We won’t be doing the mist because I am immunocompromised (think chemotherapy) and can’t have live virus around.
Talk of the Nation did a great program on this last week.
I’ve only heard about the nasal mist. What do you know about another option and availability? Actually, I wonder why they went with the live virus vaccine. Is it easier/quicker to produce? Flu vaccines aren’t usually live. I’m finding that it’s hard to find anything anywhere. I’m sorry that you are so immunocompromised.
I’m going to go look that program up. Thanks, Carol.
I agree with Carol. My babies need your protection, my immunocompromised sister needs your protection.
It doesn’t hurt bad, I promise.
My doctor did tell me to avoid the mist, who knows when we’ll see it in shot form though.
Did your doctor say more about why you should avoid the mist? Our pediatrician’s office didn’t mention anything about it, but they didn’t seem to have any idea about whether they’d even get anything at all.
I was only told that people with asthma — even mild asthma like mine — should avoid the mist.
I was told the same thing about the mist, given my asthma. When will we see the shots?
Or this:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113758688
Thanks, Jac.
The flu mist is fine for most people. My GI told me that people I live with shouldn’t get it (live virus) . The shot should be along presently.
Good to know. Thanks, Carol.
In 2002 my employer insisted I get a flu shot. I resisted, the flu having never been more than an inconvenience and a good excuse to stay home from work. My supervisor called me a “carrier”.
So I relented and got the shot.
Three hours later I was in the emergency room. I couldn’t breathe. My eyes were swelling shut. My heart rate and blood pressure could be heard across the room.
Then I’m told about allergies and asthma and chicken feathers and twenty other excuses not to get the shot. I stayed in the hospital 3 days while they ran IVs of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory through my system. I missed 10 ten days from work.
Not only did my employer try to avoid reimbursing me for my time off work, but they tried to stick me with the bill. Almost $10,000.
It took eighteen months to resolve.
I won’t take anything, especially from the government, unless I’m completely, and I mean completely convinced it’s safe.
Good Lord. What was the issue? Were you allergic to something?
Apparently I’m allergic to chicken feathers (news to me). And I had an adverse reaction to the old TB test they used to give because my father was exposed or something. I also have a sensitivity to the drug they used to employ as a “bonding agent” in the vaccine.
They had a long list if reasons, questions they said should have been asked before the vaccine was administered, but were not.
Let’s not forget the rush to vaccinate the population means billions of dollars in profit for Big Pharma. The same folks lining the pockets of politicians and buying millions worth of advertising on the MSM. Their only motivation is greed.
Wow. Chicken feathers would do that to you? Jaysus.
The scientists are not motivated by greed, they are good people who work very hard to find ways to protect us. Their work has virtually eliminated many deadly diseases in the developed world.
You do realize that your reaction to a vaccination was unusual right?
Mine? I think that’s what bothers me. That’s why I keep asking: What the heck is wrong with me on this?
“Mine? I think that’s what bothers me. That’s why I keep asking: What the heck is wrong with me on this?”
I can’t find what you’re referring to here and I’m afraid it’s something I said and then when I don’t answer you will think me rude and then NO ICE CREAM. Ack!
Nope. You still get ice cream (and foot rubs, but don’t tell Jac because she’s on super-secret probation). No. I have often wondered why I drag my feet on vaccinations. I’m not afraid of needles, don’t fear a government conspiracy, but don’t love the idea of putting that stuff in my body, I guess.
I heard that! Not fair!!!
Are you concerned about the virus stuff or the additive stuff? Stuff is entering your body without your consent all of the time and your immune system takes care of it without you even knowing it.
A flu shot introduces the virus in a controlled way so that your body can deal with it and build up antibodies so that the next time, it can attack. Getting the flu without vaccination is like an ambush on your immune system. It can’t handle the rate of replication and so you get sick and eventually get better (hopefully) once your body can win the attack. After taking Microbiology, I can tell you that it’s a good thing that we don’t really know what and how many microbes are entering our bodies each day because we might be afraid to do much of anything. (I was pretty grossed out at times.)
If you have concerns about allergic reactions or the additives (e.g. thimerosal), maybe a doctor could help you evaluate that if you find yourself moving to on the fence. (It kind of sounds like you might be on the fence.)
I am firmly on the fence, but I think once the vaccine becomes more readily available, I’ll crawl off it. I just hadn’t thought of it in terms of perhaps being a risk to others, my not getting vaccinated. That makes me sound extremely self-centered but there you are. It is my world and the rest of you are just visiting.
I don’t know how misplaced it may be but I feel good about myself when we get our shots because we are doing something for the good of everyone.
Vegas, I’m gonna start thinking of it that way – it sounds waaay better than my real thoughts of just not wanting to get sick.
And that’s the part that didn’t even enter my mind, which kind of bothers me.
Ditto on what Vegas said. My father was one of those scientists who spent his career on finding and researching new drugs that have led to saving lives.
I certainly hope it was unusual. But by the speed with which I was diagnosed at the quick delivery of treatment lead me to think it wasn’t all that uncommon.
And my remark about greed wasn’t directed at scientists or people in the trenches doing the hard work. It was directed at the profiteering marketers in control of the fruits of that labor.
leftover, are you also allergic to eggs or just allergic to chicken feathers? I would imagine it would be hard to know about the feather part unless you’ve reacted before. I believe egg allergies and feather allergies can cross over to one another. I’m pretty sure the quick delivery of care was administered because they recognized that you were having an anaphylactic reaction which is recognizable regardless of the cause. That must have been so scary.
It’s too bad all medical research can’t be done in a non-profit way. As much as we bash the pharmacheutical companies, we also have them to thank for so many useful drugs. My Dad used to say that people just don’t know what’s involved in finding and developing drugs. It takes a lot of time, effort and money. He also used to say that due to the many FDA requirements, the testing and trials were very costly and delayed availability. That also adds to the cost. I’m not defending pharmaceutical companies, really. They do exist to make drugs that will ultimately make money. However, they serve us in a way that generic drug manufacturers do not. There is something good along with the bad.
They said the same thing about eggs at the hospital. But they served me eggs for breakfast (yes they were the real ones)..twice. I eat eggs almost every day. No problems.
I don’t hang around chickens that much, (the poultry variety, anyway), so I’m not sure about the feathers.
But I have had a variety of allergies. Dust. Cats. pollens. Molds……etc. And then there’s the TB thing.
But yeah….it was scary.
My Father was a pharmacist for 60 years. He looked at deregulation warily, concerned about rushing modern drugs onto the market without adequate real world trials. He was preaching the dangers of antibiotic resistance in the 70s. I think I inherited his cautious approach.
There are worse things to inherit. Your dad was a pharmacist? That’s kind of cool.
My oldest had a reaction to the flu shot this year even though she’s had it every year. Nothing like what you went through, just some scary swelling. She’s not allergic to eggs or anything else we know of.
The crappy thing about allergies is that you often don’t know you have them until it’s something kind of dire. I mean, you can walk around with the sniffles around the neighbor’s cat but the symptoms aren’t enough to bother you and then you come into contact with something and it becomes a more serious issue. Freaky.
Jac, better to have annual chest X rays than annual colonoscopies.
Bro. Jay speaks the truth. Just sayin’…