Since I am in a high risk category for flu, am in an area where lots of people are coming down with it, and about to go to a conference with 10k+ attendees, I have been desperately trying to get the H1N1 flu shot for weeks. A million phone calls later, I found the first shipment in the area, which was being distributed to the high risk category people like myself. Got in line at 6am, and at 8:30am was told that they have run out. 2 days later, they got the 2nd shipment. I got in line at 4am, and this time, made the cut. By 10am I was exhausted from standing for so long in lines (most of that time outside, and it did rain on us), but glad the flu shot hunt was finally over. Now I just have to hang in there till my body builds up a little immunity.
My FIL made the mandatory republican comment, "that's socialized medicine for you." I asked him if he thought it were better if they auctioned the damn shots off to the highest bidder. Surely, then I would get the vaccine.
The perverse incentives of academia
6 years ago
5 comments:
I am in two minds over whether or not to get the shot. They started distributing it here today, and I also fall into a high risk category.
I never get the regular flu shot, and I never get flu. I get alot of colds and chest infections though.
My dilemma is that I am under lots of stress and pressure to submit within the next couple of weeks.
Whenever I get vaccines, I always seem to have a bit of a reaction to them that knocks me for a couple of days, and I really can't afford that at the moment. I really can't afford flu at the moment though either.
And by the time I submit, and then I get the shot and immunity kicks in, it'll be nearly mid december, and right about then I should be coming down with my annual December chest infection.
So I don't know what to do.
Apologies for the ramble.
Pixie - I went through the same considerations, and decided the risks of complications were too high (my doc agrees), and sick people are all around. I am having a mild reaction to the shot, but I would rather that then take my chances.
Wow, 4 am?! That sucks! Glad you got it though, and I hope it works!
But, um, this isn't your way of telling us you're pregnant, is it? ;)
pixie, i am with you, and i didn't get the shot. my MIL says i have a youthful invincibility complex, but that's ok. the last several times i got a shot (years ago) i was always out for a couple of days, which i think is worse than the risk of maybe being out for a couple of days x 2. i think if i were going to a conference though, things might be different. but for right now i am ambivalent about this shot. plus, i'm not in the risk category anymore (and it makes me feel old!)
EGF - ok, ok, you got me ;P
PD - Last year, I would have probably not worried about it. But things are changing around here ;)
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