Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateOne statistic jumped out at me as I was gathering material for our coverage of the swine (H1N1) and seasonal flu vaccines: Less than half of health-care professionals get the flu shot each year. Such a low vaccination rate has led to flu outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes, research suggests. Plus, sick doctors and nurses can't—or at least shouldn't—go to work, and their absence could be especially critical this coming "two-flu" season. Indeed, the CDC puts health-care professionals at the top of the flu vaccine list in part because they are so vital. But the surveys suggest that this message isn't getting through.
We know that breaking the chain of infection—preventing transmission of the flu from caregivers and household members to people at high risk of complications—will reduce illness, hospitalization, and mortality. The same holds true for health-care professionals. Yet surveys conducted during the last few annual flu outbreaks show that most of them don't get vaccinated. This year, at least one state health department is mandating that all health care workers be vaccinated for influenza including hospital and physician staff, nursing home caregivers and staff, and home caregivers.
This coming flu season public-health officials will no doubt urge us, the public, to get our flu shots early and do every thing we can to stop the spread of the flu. We should make the same request of our health care professionals, and especially those who care for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients.
This year, as I get my flu shot at the end of September or early October, I intend to ask the person giving me the shot if they've had theirs as well. I urge you to do the same.
--Christopher Hendel, Associate Director, Health
Don't get the flu shot? Find out if your excuses are myth or reality. Then keep up to date with our H1N1 (swine) flu coverage and recommendations.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
