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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Chicago sports teams get their flu vaccine despite shortage |
| 2004-10-22 |
| Some members of the Chicago Bears received flu shots despite a nationwide shortage of the vaccine. The Chicago Bulls also were vaccinated. The shots were offered to everyone on the team, but Bears officials said less than half of the roughly 60 members received vaccinations, mainly those with "asthma-type conditions." Remaining doses were returned to the distributor. A local health official described the vaccinations as regrettable, saying he doubted anyone on the team was in a high-risk category. "I'd like to know why an athlete in top shape is being given a flu shot," said Dale Galassie, executive director of the health department in Lake County, north of Chicago, where the team trains. Some players said they declined the shots, preferring to reserve the vaccine for people at greater risk for severe flu complications. "I didn't get one because with what's going on everywhere, I shouldn't," defensive end Michael Haynes said. "I don't need one as bad as some people, so I said no." The Bulls also train in the county north of Chicago. Bulls players received the vaccinations Oct. 4 -- one day before the shortage was announced. "We absolutely need them," guard Eric Piatkowski said. "The way we travel, we're going in and out of cold and warm climates. I won't say we need them more than some 85-year-old person, because obviously we don't. But I'm glad we got them." The vaccine shortage was caused when one of the United States' two flu vaccine suppliers, Chiron Corp., was barred from shipping its vaccine because of contamination. That cut almost in half the 100 million doses U.S. officials were expecting. Healthy Americans were urged to forgo shots so there will be enough for those at highest risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Those at risk include babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 23 months, adults 65 or older, and people with chronic illnesses. |
| Posted by:Destro |
| #6 thanks .com -- not quite what I was hoping for, probably because they're not really interested in citizens' defense. I'll dig. |
| Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever) 2004-10-23 1:51:18 AM |
| #5 For what it's worth, the story has been updated on the sports radio station in Chicago (I'm in the northwest suburbs). The Bears received the doses before the shortage situation developed. Only two players actually received the doses (the team is declining to name them because of the laws on medical privacy). Both of the players have ashmatic conditions that are in line with the guidelines the CDC issued for dispensing what vaccine is available. The remainder of the doses have been returned to the distributor. None of which changes the fact that the Bears have been playing like they were brain-dead, not sick. But at least we beat the Packers. |
| Posted by: Darth VAda 2004-10-22 8:58:41 PM |
| #4 "We absolutely need them," guard Eric Piatkowski said. "The way we travel, we’re going in and out of cold and warm climates. I won’t say we need them more than some 85-year-old person, because obviously we don’t. But I’m glad we got them." NBA Groupies and hookers in the big cities of North America thank you, Eric. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2004-10-22 3:00:05 PM |
| #3 Kalle - Here's a quickie link for contacting Homeland Security in your state. I'm sure there are more / better links - but I don't have better at hand, sorry. |
| Posted by: .com 2004-10-22 2:09:16 PM |
| #2 Somewhat OT: if there are so few vaccine providers for such crucial prevention of common diseases, what are the odds of terrorists attacking them? There have been arguments about the limited number of vaccines producers in the US, and blame goes mainly to trial lawyers and government intervention. What about ensuring a diversified supply of vaccines based on the needs of homeland security? a vigorous free market protected from lawyer-ghouls is our best defense against many types of terrorist attacks. To echo a question I've asked elsewhere, who do I contact if I have opinions on specific dangers to the West and ideas on how to better protect ourselves? is there a structure in place to allow citizens to think, plan, and contribute to Homeland Security? (other than an 800 number) |
| Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever) 2004-10-22 2:01:03 PM |
| #1 So, are Kerry and the Democrats gonna hammer them for taking flu shots that could be used to save the lives of elderly voters in Florida? Didn't think so. |
| Posted by: Steve 2004-10-22 1:25:29 PM |