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Vaccine Supply and the Public Option
Susan Estrich
My internist told me he is now using the technique he learned many
decades ago in the military, when supplies of vaccine were short and
they had to split doses. I wouldn't even think of asking. But I did
ask my rheumatologist, since rheumatoid arthritis is one of those
things that makes getting the flu worse. He would have been happy to
give me a flu shot -- I'm talking regular flu here, not the swine kind
-- but he was out.
First come, first served.
I was all set to get it at the one-day clinic in the lobby of the building where I work, but it turned out that I had to go to something ridiculous like a hearing that day and missed the morning hours. Imagine, work getting in the way. There were no afternoon hours.
Of course, I've tried all the drug stores. I know I should have started there, and if I had, I would have been flu-ready a long time ago. But, you see, that was my mistake. How stupid of me to think that if my local mega-branch of a national drugstore chain had flu vaccine, my internist and rheumatologist definitely would. Flu vaccine as a doorbuster. Pick up some mouthwash while you're there. Brilliant -- of them, not me.
How dumb can you be? I discussed it with my psychiatrist. She didn't have any flu vaccine, either. But she filed her application to be a national immunization center, right there on the couch, so hopefully next year she will be able to take care of her patients, most of whom are, like me, vaccination-challenged.
Every day, I listen on the radio as the country brags about how many people it has vaccinated that day. I think about how many it hasn't.
My secretary made it to the clinic at work, but they weren't vaccinating pregnant women. I understand there are many places that won't vaccinate women of that age unless they are pregnant, because pregnant women are at the top of the priority list. But no, not here. Whoever they were, their insurance didn't cover pregnant women.
So, since her obstetrician didn't have any vaccine and her son's pediatrician didn't have any vaccine, instead of coming to work the next morning, she drove 25 miles in the wrong direction to be one of the first in line at the county clinic, putting her among those numbers I hear at the end of the day.
At least she's doing better than I am.
The polls are all over the map about where the public stands on the so-called "public option," as well they should be. In my classes, I call it the "free hot-dog stand." But I certainly can't tell you how it will run or how long the lines will be, much less the price tag. So how can you know if you're for it, much less want it?
Yet, everyone you talk to has an opinion about the distribution of vaccine this flu season. And I've yet to hear too many good ones.
I'm sure there are plenty of people and entities to blame for what's gone wrong. But since the government is very obviously running the show when it comes to the distribution of vaccine, it's not exactly a reassuring introduction to some kind of "public option." Some big improvements, and explanations, are in order -- sooner than later -- before the public option gets tainted by this nasty virus.
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To find out more about Susan Estrich and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Copyright 2009 Creators Syndicate Inc.
This news arrived on: 10/28/2009
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Posted Comments:
10-30-2009 17:09
Catharyne Stauffer wrote:
People must remember thousands of years ago before religious superstition had political say Herbal medicines and some of what we deem modern medicine now ( ie; surgery etc ) worked together towards a common goal . Many modern medicines and discoveries come from ancient plant use , to think you must ignore one to use the other is counterproductive in the grander scheme of good health .
The problem today is a lack of knowledge from one institute towards another .
At the turn of the 20th century in Canada we had more holistic colleges than we did any other type .
Unless a person is consulting regularly with a Clinical Herbalist they should not self medicate just based on hear say or some less than accurate information that is sometimes on the internet .
This also applies to some pharmaceutical companies that are selling many herbal remedies .
I caught one pharmacist here telling this woman that it was ok to give her 5 year old son Echineaca as a dietary supplement .
I read the label on the bottle and sure enough that's what they had printed as directions . That particular case of misinformation has been corrected but consumer beware and talk to a clinical herbalist someone who is properly trained.
The problem today is a lack of knowledge from one institute towards another .
At the turn of the 20th century in Canada we had more holistic colleges than we did any other type .
Unless a person is consulting regularly with a Clinical Herbalist they should not self medicate just based on hear say or some less than accurate information that is sometimes on the internet .
This also applies to some pharmaceutical companies that are selling many herbal remedies .
I caught one pharmacist here telling this woman that it was ok to give her 5 year old son Echineaca as a dietary supplement .
I read the label on the bottle and sure enough that's what they had printed as directions . That particular case of misinformation has been corrected but consumer beware and talk to a clinical herbalist someone who is properly trained.
10-30-2009 16:51
Catharyne Stauffer wrote:
I still think vaccines are a good idea . Vaccine have ahd a long and proven history in wiping out diseases like small pox except on the African continent where most people do not have access to the vaccine or where Imam's have told them misinformation based on superstitions .
People due need to look after themselves but also be mindful of vaccine programs . In many cases it is the only way to totally eradicate certain diseases .
People due need to look after themselves but also be mindful of vaccine programs . In many cases it is the only way to totally eradicate certain diseases .
10-30-2009 16:26
JCE wrote:
The government has to be run like a business. It also has a lot more things to do than just protect from foreign enemies. It is supposed to do things that the people can't do for themselves, that need doing. Like making sure the special interests don't rape us. Like making sure that the special interests don't take away from the people the ability to work and take care of themselves. Like making sure the bridges and schools don't get so old they are a danger to the people. Like not letting all the people cross the borders, or let the businesses hire them. And not to sign treaties that endanger us, or start military actions that do the same. There is a lot that government does that it shouldn't, but a whole lot that it doesn't, that it should be doing. And republicans stop those things by saying government is already to big. That has nothing to do with it. It either should be doing something, or not, and it should do it right.
Kathie There is ample evidence that if the FDA approve of something, and want you to use it, you should really look at it, because there is an extremely good chance that it is dangerous. On the other hand,if they are against it, it is either going to be good for you, or maybe even vital to have. But no real money in it for the special interests, or no way to control it. I am surprised they haven't gotten rid of apple cider vinegar. Maybe if enough people take it, they will. I swear by it, with a few additions.
Kathie There is ample evidence that if the FDA approve of something, and want you to use it, you should really look at it, because there is an extremely good chance that it is dangerous. On the other hand,if they are against it, it is either going to be good for you, or maybe even vital to have. But no real money in it for the special interests, or no way to control it. I am surprised they haven't gotten rid of apple cider vinegar. Maybe if enough people take it, they will. I swear by it, with a few additions.
10-30-2009 15:05
Kathie wrote:
It's nice to finally agree with people on one subject. Eat right, take supplements when needed, and exercise as much as possible. You can avoid the expensive drugs and won't need vaccines. Only problem is, the FDA is trying to regulate vitamins and supplements, and remove some from the market.
One of my family members has been on thyroid medication for many years. He recently found out about a natural med for his condition called Armour(prescription is still needed). There are no known side effects, and this has been on the market for quite some time. Luckily, his doctor agreeed to switch his prescription, and he now has more energy, no side effects, and the cost is $15.00 for a 30 day supply. Sad thing is, this medication is on the FDA hit list.
One of my family members has been on thyroid medication for many years. He recently found out about a natural med for his condition called Armour(prescription is still needed). There are no known side effects, and this has been on the market for quite some time. Luckily, his doctor agreeed to switch his prescription, and he now has more energy, no side effects, and the cost is $15.00 for a 30 day supply. Sad thing is, this medication is on the FDA hit list.
10-30-2009 12:01
Renee wrote:
Ditto - good health
I just want to say ditto to all the folks on here who have talked about having/keeping a healthy body versus relying on drugs and vaccines. If you take ownership of your body, your health, you don't worry about if/when/how the government will get the vaccine to market.
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