Santa and the H1N1 shot

[happygirl]

I saw on the news that there is a group that pushing for Santa to get the H1N1 shot but since there is a shortage they are being told NO.

I personally feel like they should be some of the first to get the shot, they are at a high risk for getting and passing the flu,

What do you all think talk and discuss

http://www.theindychannel.com/health...15/detail.html

[golfgal]

We were told that the "high risk" category is truly high risk patients like those with heart transplants, those undergoing Chemo, etc. not the regular high risk like kids with asthma, etc.

[happygirl]

I posted a link

[paintnolish]

I think they should. Aren't people who are caretakers, especially of infants, allowed to get it? They see a large number of kids and they are pretty close to Santa's face!

[MickeyMomTo2]

I think they should get it, especially considering most Santas fit into the obese category. That puts them at greater risk, and sitting that close to all those kids could not only put them at risk, but they could spread it to many kids before they even know they are sick. I think they have a legitimate claim to the vaccine!

[MickeyMomTo2]

Originally Posted by golfgal

We were told that the "high risk" category is truly high risk patients like those with heart transplants, those undergoing Chemo, etc. not the regular high risk like kids with asthma, etc.

Who said this? Kids with asthma are definitely in the high risk category for swine flu.

[paintnolish]

Aren't they most likely over 64, too? In IL, people over 64 could get it.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by MickeyMomTo2

Who said this? Kids with asthma are definitely in the high risk category for swine flu.

Our clinic--the problem is that the vaccine is in short supply so the only ones getting it NOW are those REALLY high risk patients. I know that asthma is considered high risk for the flu but it isn't AS high of a risk as a chemo patient right now.

[MickeyMomTo2]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Our clinic--the problem is that the vaccine is in short supply so the only ones getting it NOW are those REALLY high risk patients. I know that asthma is considered high risk for the flu but it isn't AS high of a risk as a chemo patient right now.

I understand that, but I am glad my kids were able to get it. My son has asthma and he has had a chronic sinus infection for about four months. The combination worried me, especially considering many of the kids who have gotten the sickest had a flu/bacterial combo!

[C.Ann]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the "lines" of children wanting to see Santa drop off considerably this year - due to parents fears of their unvaccinated children picking up germs..

I've also read somewhere that in some areas - laser tag places; paint ball places; Chuck E Cheese; and the like - are seeing a reduction in bookings for birthday parties - and very few children attending those parties that are booked.. Parents are viewing them as germ incubators - because these places can't sterilize the equipment and/or toys in a timely fashion..

It will be interesting to see how it all pans out - considering there are still so many places where the vaccinations just aren't readily available..

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by MickeyMomTo2

I understand that, but I am glad my kids were able to get it. My son has asthma and he has had a chronic sinus infection for about four months. The combination worried me, especially considering many of the kids who have gotten the sickest had a flu/bacterial combo!

Fine, but we still can't even GET an H1N1 shot for anyone in our state. There have only been a limited number of vaccines to even make it to our state and those have gone to health care workers. You can't even get a shot if you are getting chemo right now.

[MickeyMomTo2]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Fine, but we still can't even GET an H1N1 shot for anyone in our state. There have only been a limited number of vaccines to even make it to our state and those have gone to health care workers. You can't even get a shot if you are getting chemo right now.

Why is that? Are some states more proactive in ordering the shots from the federal government than others? Obviously, there are shortages everywhere, but it seems that it is easier to locate shots in some states than others, and I guess I don't understand that. (These are genuine questions that I have--I am not doubting what is going on where you are, just truly wondering about the differences around the country.)

I do know that in middle Tennessee, health care workers with no health problems were given the mist, which left more shots available for others, but it still seems there is disparity between different locations. Are some states keeping a stockpile while they wait for those at highest risk to come in? In Tennessee, it was initially available to healthcare workers, pregnant women, and children 4 and under. It then opened to children 5-24 with health conditions, and it is now open to all kids 24 and under and adults 25-64 with health conditions. I have been very impressed with our state's communications as well. They keep a current website of all the clinics around the state and what is available, so it is easier to know where and when to go to get a vaccine. I don't know if all states have had equal levels of communication, but it is frustrating that there wasn't a more uniform policy.