BC’s Provincial Health Officer Dr Perry Kendall announced in August that BC will be adopting a policy mandating flu shots for health care workers. Or they have to wear masks.
This is likely the most aggressive flu prevention policy in Canada, one which could set the trend for the rest of the country.
But Dr Kendall and his public health colleagues who want to force all kinds of vaccines on people are facing an uphill struggle.
Why? Because mandating vaccines or other public health measures are increasingly being criticized for the strong-armed ways they are being enforced.
Add to this the growing cynicism around the fear-mongering of recent flu pandemics, and the overzealousness with which vaccines are promoted, and you have a recipe for a cynical public.
But of most concern is the determination by some respected international scientists and researchers that annual influenza campaigns are likely an utter waste of time and money.
Don’t believe me? Then take a look at October’s Focus Magazine.
Cory // Oct 4, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Stats Can web site dealing with influenza immunization rates from 2008 to 2011:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/health102a-eng.htm
From the article linked above 6% prevention rate is reported. At current immunization rates that will keep approximately 500,000 people from getting the flu and decrease morbidity in the rest. Not a bad trade-off, really. This, from a a selfish non-health care worker point of view. Sign me up.
Laura // Oct 4, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Well, I have had influenza twice and cannot believe how awful it really is. I have chosen to be immunized since those experiences. So that’s my personal story.
Professionally, as a critical care nurse, I have seen many people, of all age ranges, die from influenza. One young woman I took care of lost a lung due to H1N1. She was previously healthy. Part of being a healthcare professional is taking the necessary precautions to protect the patients. So, I get a vaccine for that too. I think it’s unfortunate that people don’t just choose to get a vaccine. They have to be mandated to do it. Sad.