Last month, I wrote Hawaii State Congressmsn Neil Abercrombie about my concerns about the mandatory flu shots. Here’s what I got back:
Dear Ms. Lyon:
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the possibility of the government requiring the H1N1 vaccination. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
As you may know, clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine started on August 1, 2009 and the final vaccine is expected to be ready for distribution in mid-October. Though some individuals have expressed concerns that these vaccines will be mandatory, this is simply not the case.
The chairman of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee’s subcommittee on safety has clearly stated that, “the intent isn’t to force any group to be vaccinated.” The government has simply recommended that pregnant women, health care workers and people who are around children less than six months old be vaccinated, but there is obviously no requirement or punishment for not taking the vaccine.
The goal is to provide vaccines to as many people as want to be vaccinated. Therefore, as public health workers and decision-makers work to ensure the public has the ability to protect itself during pandemic outbreaks, please be assured I will keep your views in mind should legislation be introduced on this issue.
Again, mahalo for sharing your views on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Neil Abercrombie
Member of Congress
Mahalo again for contacting me. As your Representative in the United States Congress, it is a privilege and an honor to serve you.
_______________________
Not being a particularly mollifiable person, I wote him back. It’s in the post below this one.
Recent Comments