Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Editorial: Reckless disregard for H1N1's danger
Rumors, myths stopping many from getting influenza vaccine.
Last update: December 10, 2009 - 6:41 AM
A contagion of complacency is threatening to undermine the fight to contain the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
The vaccine is the single most potent weapon against this dangerous pathogen, which is causing serious illness in children, young adults and pregnant women in Minnesota and elsewhere. Yet polls consistently show that Americans, who once clamored to get the shot, are recklessly putting their lives or their children's at risk by not getting the shot as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
According to a recent CNN poll, more than half of American adults -- 55 percent -- said they do not plan to get the H1N1 shot. A poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media found that 37 percent of parents surveyed with kids under 18 were unlikely to have their children vaccinated. These polls accurately reflect reality: Disappointingly few parents signed their kids up for shots when New York public schools held vaccination clinics.
Doctors, nurses and health officials understandably are frustrated. The H1N1 shot, like every other seasonal flu vaccine, is a public health hat trick. It's safe, effective and inexpensive. And yet people under the sway of Internet rumors and harebrained celebrities are deliberately choosing not to take advantage of this potentially lifesaving medicine.
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Educated adults who wouldn't dream of asking a blogger or former MTV-personality-turned-anti-vaccine-zealot Jenny McCarthy to treat a heart attack or set a broken bone ridiculously trust both for guidance on vaccines. It makes zero sense, especially when so many are making decisions about their children's flu shots based on this kind of "advice." It's the equivalent of putting your kid in a vehicle without a car seat. Grandparents, family and friends, please step up and say something. Don't tolerate this reckless irresponsibility.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/...YEPaL_V_5E7ODiU2EPaL_V_9E7ODiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Rumors, myths stopping many from getting influenza vaccine.
Last update: December 10, 2009 - 6:41 AM
A contagion of complacency is threatening to undermine the fight to contain the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
The vaccine is the single most potent weapon against this dangerous pathogen, which is causing serious illness in children, young adults and pregnant women in Minnesota and elsewhere. Yet polls consistently show that Americans, who once clamored to get the shot, are recklessly putting their lives or their children's at risk by not getting the shot as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
According to a recent CNN poll, more than half of American adults -- 55 percent -- said they do not plan to get the H1N1 shot. A poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media found that 37 percent of parents surveyed with kids under 18 were unlikely to have their children vaccinated. These polls accurately reflect reality: Disappointingly few parents signed their kids up for shots when New York public schools held vaccination clinics.
Doctors, nurses and health officials understandably are frustrated. The H1N1 shot, like every other seasonal flu vaccine, is a public health hat trick. It's safe, effective and inexpensive. And yet people under the sway of Internet rumors and harebrained celebrities are deliberately choosing not to take advantage of this potentially lifesaving medicine.
<MORE>
Educated adults who wouldn't dream of asking a blogger or former MTV-personality-turned-anti-vaccine-zealot Jenny McCarthy to treat a heart attack or set a broken bone ridiculously trust both for guidance on vaccines. It makes zero sense, especially when so many are making decisions about their children's flu shots based on this kind of "advice." It's the equivalent of putting your kid in a vehicle without a car seat. Grandparents, family and friends, please step up and say something. Don't tolerate this reckless irresponsibility.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/...YEPaL_V_5E7ODiU2EPaL_V_9E7ODiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU