A shot in the dark
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: November 02, 2009 11:11 PM
The only lines bigger than those for H1N1 flu shots, were those at the weekend’s Olympic torch relay in Parksville.
A crush of media and other people around the torch bearer from Comox Sunday morning, proved the level of interest in the event was high. Many people wanted to see for themselves the Olympic torch — something many people will never see again that close.
Yet, now that the torch runners are long gone from Oceanside, it’s back to the long line-ups for many people worried about the swine flu.
Seems many people are worried that the swine flu is something they’ll certainly see in their lifetime.
Turnout to clinics at Wembley Mall have been high — as have similar clinics held throughout B.C. and Canada. They are so big, the vaccines are running out in places, delaying some of the inoculations.
What would help is for everyone to determine first of all, if they are within any identified groups at a higher risk for the flu, and, if they really need the shot in the first place.
Yes, you mustn’t wait until you are sick (if you feel sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, don’t infect everyone in the lines), but think reasonably about if you can wait, letting those who really need the vaccine to go first. If nothing else, waiting will make the long lines shorter.
Whether you need an H1N1 vaccination can be determined by your doctor if you really have no idea. The same holds true for plain, old seasonal flu shots — ask your doctor when and where to get them.
— editorial by Steven Heywood
v2
