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.

Confused by H1N1

Each year, the flu hits and takes a substantial amount of lives. This year, we have a new flu known as H1N1 that seems to be getting the spotlight. There are conflicting stories in the media about the vaccine, and whether or not it is really going to be effective. I saw a YouTube video involving several doctors who are dead against the H1N1 vaccine and vaccinations, in general. They feel that before anyone submits to getting vaccinated, they should research and educate themselves fully.

An article from the Globe and Mail November 5 is encouraging people to get the H1N1 shot. The shot is not readily available for all Canadians until Christmas time. The hype is strong surrounding this super flu and its supposed antidote. The more focus in the media of the spreading virus and the lack of vaccine availability, the more people are panicking. I know someone who stood in line for 3 hours this week to get their 2 children immunized. I also know 2 other people who received the H1N1 shot and they reported that they came down with mild symptoms of the flu the very next day.

We all know that the pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing each year through drug, and vaccine production. We are so trusting of the drugs they provide. Is the H1N1 virus really more harmful then other flu viruses, or is this an opportunity for our government to team up with the pharmaceutical companies and take the focus off another really big issue? After all, there has been a record amount of scandal in Parliament this year.

It's hard to know what to do with so much ambiguous information floating around. Because of this uncertainty, I will not be taking the H1N1 shot. I will practice good hand washing techniques, eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and hope for a healthy winter.

Find the cartoon image featured in this blog here.