Shot Up

The president has asked congress for 7 Billion (yes, with a B) plus dollars to create a "pre-sponse" to the predicted flu pandemic. After asking just how many billions of dollars the president thinks we have to toss at the issues he thinks are important -- the billions tossed towards the war, the billions tossed towards hurricane victim relief and rebuilding, and now billions for flu vaccines/anti-viral stockpiles, I thought about what this predicted pandemic may mean more locally.

Not long ago, The Chick told me that she was treated to a rant from a fellow parent about how dangerous vaccines are and how as a parent she should refuse to allow her child to be subjected to shots and the chemicals put in shots. This woman, apparently, cited the unproven speculation that the increase in the number of vaccines we now foist off on human children has led to more children being exposed to toxic levels of a mercury deriviative and more cases of autism in children. (There is no scientific proof -- just interesting timing of stats.)

The Chick was rather put off by this rant -- and felt perversely committed to insuring that her child receive his flu shot this year.

Doctors recommend that children, elderly, and anyone who has a weakened immune system get flu shots to protect them from a disease that although is fairly common, is still deadly. Just a few years ago, quite a few human children died from the flu.

Watching Charlie Rose discuss the pandemic and the president's request got me thinking -- if we do have a pandemic, will this mother change her tune? Will parents be required to get their children vaccinated? Will we charge parents with neglect if they fail?

Of course, not wanting to give the current group of clowns too much credit, I have to wonder, also, if this burst of energy to prepare for the disaster that might not come is really a face saving measure after the unmittigated PR disaster of appearing uncaring and out of touch after hurricane Katrina. Shortly after Katrina, disaster response groups got media attention by pointing out that they had previously reported to the federal government that we might know what do after a terrorist attack or the landing of little green men -- but that we are unprepared for more natural disasters. I have to believe that this latest push is the federal government realizing that they can use their resourses and power for more than warmongering. One person on CR pointed out that one of the problems the president has yet to address is that the poorest people are likely to be exposed to the flu, less likely to seek medical care, and are likely to receive substandard medical care -- and that the pandemic may effect that sector of human society the most. I'm glad someone said it.

The short of it? Get a flu shot -- avoid going to work/school/play/gym when you're sick, take your vitamins, drink some OJ and stop smoking. Don't wait for the FEMA trucks to roll up to your home with a shot --- take action now and avoid the rush. And, don't pet any stray asian ducks.

I would also point out that you never hear of Monkey Flu - just monkey poo. heh hehe.