Re: Pandemic Flu - Thread II Originally Posted by azhiker96 Any idea how they would get healthcare workers to take the vaccine if/when one becomes available? It seems part of the plan for handling the pandemic is vaccination of healthcare and infrastructure workers. However, if our flu shot thread is any indication, many may refuse to take the shot for fear of side effects. I just wonder if you've seen any discussion by the "planners" of how they'd get folks to line up for vaccinations.
The other boards I check into are not nursing related, but there are some nurses, docs, vets, some scientist related fields, and lay people. I don't know that they understand the extent of the reluctance of nurses and docs to vaccinate with seasonal flu shots. With this flu however, I am thinking that being in the line of fire, so to speak, might influence the decisions of many. Being pressed into service thru conscience, and/or public pressure, and maybe gov't decree, most are going to be willing to vaccinate. They'll chance it to avoid infecting their own families if not themselves. And, maybe it will work. Maybe the Tamiflu will work, if there is enough, and if the organism does not develop resistance.
As for the "planners", I don't think it has occurred to them that any HCW's would refuse. So to answer your question, I have not seen this addressed as an issue. Really, I can't envision it myself, and I have been very much aware of those concerns. Consider the alternative if working with flu victims everywhere, and no end in sight for weeks...It's true, we do not know if the vaccines will be effective, or about side effects. Hopefully, the longer it takes the virus to mutate, the more time to prepare for it. We may have a few years. I have to say though, that the news from China is very discouraging about the Fujian strain. And, the secrecy, from China as well as the WHO, is problematic. Translations from Indonesia seem to indicate that the virus is spreading. Using Tamiflu may be causing false negatives. The full extent of what is happening in Asia is being hidden from us probably for economic reasons.
Wish I could tell you more, but I can't. I can only look at what studies are saying, and what scientists are thinking if they tell us. In the mean time,
I would do as many have suggested, and put some food by for your family with masks, and gloves. It's cheap insurance for any emergency. Then go on with your life knowing that you made an educated guess, and decided to be cautious. Those who are tracking the virus, and there are many, will give some warning, possibly prior to any "official" warning if anything comes of this. Shopping for supplies after an official warning may not be much of an option.
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