A study released today shows that 87% of the public want their healthcare providers to be required to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Unfortunately, only 38% of your providers intend to get vaccinated!
Common reasons cited by healthcare workers for not getting their shot?
- There are drugs out there to treat the flu – true, but you have to get sick first and they don’t always work. Flu viruses frequently develop resistance to antiviral drugs.
- I had my seasonal flu shot, so I’m protected – not true! There is no cross-coverage between the seasonal vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine.
Since your healthcare provider comes into contact with many people who may be infected with H1N1 flu, they have a much higher chance of catching the flu themselves. They will become contagious before they are feeling obviously sick, and may remain contagious for up to a week after they are feeling better.
Protect yourself! When making an appointment to see your provider, ask if they have received their H1N1 flu shot. If not, ask if they intend to. Your interest in their vaccination status may help prompt them to do the right thing and protect everyone they come into contact with.
Finally, if your doctor won’t get the vaccine and you have to see them, ask them to not only wash their hands (which they should do anyway), but wear a mask in your presence. Hopefully, they’ll get the idea!
No comments:
Post a Comment