Hundreds in Maryland sign up for swine flu vaccine trials
So last week, I asked who might want to roll up their sleeve for the swine flu vaccine trials happening in a few weeks here at the University of Maryland. A few of you raised your hands, and some said you'd even volunteer your children.
Well, my friends, you are not alone. So far, university officials say the response has been "wonderful" and that "hundreds" of people have signed on up. (And here I thought people might be too freaked out to be guinea pigs.) At other testing sites, the same is true -- some 3,000 people nationwide are already clamoring to be part of the effort.
Among the eager Maryland volunteers is a pediatrician from Annapolis who wants the vaccine tested on himself and his four children. The family spoke to Good Morning America yesterday about their plans. (See the "Swine Flu Vaccine in Demand" clip)
Perhaps it's no surprise that people who work in medicine are eager to do their part for public health. So far, David Paulson, the state health department's spokesman, plans to sign up. So does Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a flu expert at the Johns Hopkins' school of public health.
"This is a heck of a lot better than throwing a flu party," said Paulson, who admits he is a little scared of getting sick. "I figure being vaccinated is easier than having the flu... and I don't have a fear of needles."
Then there are volunteers like CantonKate, who said in the comments below that as a healthy 25-year-old she wants the vaccine now, because she doesn't fit the priority groups who are likely to get it come fall. (A CDC advisory panel said yesterday that pregnant women, health care workers and children are among the five target groups for the shot) Kate also says she's fascinated by the idea of being in a trial.
So, I wonder, any other takers?
photo courtesy of the Associated Press
Comments
i have visited a lot of blogs and the vaccine naysayers are out in force, but i think that most people will get in line for the vaccine if it is offered in their neighborhood. - Stephen Carter, author of Survive Pandemic Flu at http://www.survivepandemicflu.com/
Posted by: Survive Pandemic Flu | August 2, 2009 1:56 AM
I'm one of those people who, like Stephen Carter, really do want to survive a 'pandemic' flu. I just don't see why we should get a vaccine for something that's been proven so far to be very mild. Im pregnant, and have swine flu right now as I'm typing this. We have taken herbs and eaten our veggies, and the whole family is doing great. Why the hype? The people who get flu shots compromise their immune system and then leave themselves vulnerable to a *real* pandemic in the future. Health, not vaccines, is what should be promoted. And the two can not truly coexist.
Posted by: Courtney | August 30, 2009 2:39 PM
People are stupid, and incredibly gullible.
You do not need a vaccine to help you, why put poison in your body if you want to be well?
Posted by: not me | April 1, 2010 1:29 AM