Attendance in Flu Shot Clinics Down This Year

In a blog from October 30, 2009, I discussed the hype of the H1N1 flu vaccine.  Last year people were racing to flu clinics to receive their flu shot for fear of catching the infamous H1N1 flu virus. There was so much hype in the media that people were literally jockeying for position as they stood in line for three and four hours with their children to wait for their turn to receive the needle. Not only was that an issue, but on top of that, they rationed the shots to elderly people and children claiming that there was a shortage. No wonder people were worried and competing to be first in line.

This is another example of how powerful our government, medical experts and media are in creating hype among the public. In the end, the H1N1 virus was not an issue through the winter season and the pandemic prediction did not come true.

This year, we see a decline in the number of people coming to flu clinics to receive their flu shots. Why?  Perhaps it's because government, media and WHO didn't create panic among the masses like they did last year. I'm sure we'll have a repeat performance when the next potential pandemic is reported.

 I didn't get a flu shot last year and I won't be getting one this year.  I have to admit that I am skeptical  about media hype and pharmaceutical companies and much of government action.  The more I watch and read the news, the more skeptical I become on many issues.  The fact is that media has a big part in shaping our beliefs, what we buy, how we vote, the list goes on, all the while, exasperating fear.

Cartoon from an editorial in the Cleavland Sun.