Lovely cut Fay!

She then interrupts the conversation to ask if she and I have any dinner plans tonight, and then says "that sounds great! Let's get together!"

NOT pleased, even though I am apparently included in the "get together" invitation if I choose to be. I don't think my friend gets why I'm annoyed.

Um, I'm not sure either? If you didn't have plans, why shouldn't she make other plans? Or is it that you were planning on an relaxing evening with no plans (so to speak)?

Oh Fay, you look DARLING! And yes, very Amelie.

Fay, that is precious!

The 1976 vaccine resulted in 25 fatalities. So far this year, the current H1N1 strain has already killed over 100 people in the US alone, and over 5000 worldwide. Mostly kids. Get a fucking flu shot.

This. God DAMN. Vaccinations are like medication, or surgery, or driving -- of COURSE there's no 100% guarantee of safety. But the benefits VASTLY outweigh the potential danger.

And in the case of vaccinations -- whether it's people who won't vaccinate their kids, or people who think H1N1 is no big deal -- refusing vaccination adds to the very real public health risk. There are a lot of people who, if exposed to H1N1, will probably get only mild disease (a few days off work, feel like shit, get better). But if they get infected, they can pass it on. To other people who might not be as healthy as them. It's so fucking irresponsible, I can't even be rational about it.

I'm under the impression I shouldn't get vaccinated because I'm not in a high-risk group and there might not be enough vaccine for everyone. Is that not true? In irony news: I am feeling fluish today but I'm hoping it's due to my poor diet yesterday (and late-night pounding of two Gunnesses).

I'm not in a high-risk group

From what I understand, no one is vaccinating people who are not considered high risk right now because of the current shortage. But, children are considered high risk so they can get it. As can pregnant women.

According to the CDC:

The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Thanks steph. It fills me with rage too. The ignorance is maddening. My 8 year old niece has been participating in an H1N1 vaccine study which I think is very freaking cool.

Also, whether you are high risk or not, the regular seasonal flu vaccine is available. I got my regular flu shot a month ago.

I just found out that one of my coworkers won't be getting a flu shot because she "doesn't believe in them." We work for a public health-related organization! Only my desire for my next paycheck kept me from whacking her on the back of the head.

Also, whether you are high risk or not, the regular seasonal flu vaccine is available.

Supplies of this one are reduced because manufacturers have been concentrating resources on producing the H1N1 vaccine. Sadly, cultures for that one have not been growing as fast as they had hoped. So basically it may be hit or miss as far as who will get the seasonal flu vaccine this year. I made a point of getting mine at the beginning of this month, and sure enough, in this area, supplies are now extremely limited.

And my fever has come back. I suspect bronchitis more than the flu. I'll be going in for a couple hours of work, but will have most of the day off.