Your views on vaccinations

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

It's that time again, the time where people start the annual debate of compulsory vaccinations. In BC there were new regulations[footnote]Related article. [http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/347805/b-c-nurses-object-to-flu-shot-policy/][/footnote] passed requiring nurses and other medical professionals to get flu vaccinations or be forced to wear masks around patients at all times. Here in Saskatchewan we didn't hear about it until the start of October when flu season started in earnest.

So yeah, there was a bunch of radio shows talking about it and I was just wondering what the Escapist's view was on vaccinations.

Personally I think it is a good idea to get a flu vaccine (I mean who wants to get sick when they could just get a quick prick and be done with it) but we should retain the right to control what enters our body. While I don't agree with those who refuse to get vaccines when it comes to government conspiracies or something, I do agree that they have the right to say no. And get sick on their own terms.

So yeah, there's the thread. What is it like in other countries? For the most part Canadians take their vaccines without complaint (free Medicare! ) but I'm curious to see how others see it.

Your thoughts?

 

[Shadowstar38]

You're not guaranteed to get sick if you don't get a flu shot. It's a good idea but really, it shouldn't be mandatory for anyone.

 

[Duskwaith]

Well the UK has abit of a tumultuous relationship with vaccines ever since some "Doctor" falsified research linking the MMR jab to Autism.

Outside of that, If your working with vulnerable people you should have the proper vaccinations. Doctors have to have the Hep A/B jab before they can practice

 

[ParadiseOnceLost]

I haven't bothered to get a flu vaccine in years. I have a really good immune system, so I hardly ever get sick. I can see the government making in mandatory for health professionals, but for everyone else it should be optional. I live in the USA, but I am pretty sure my insurance would cover it just fine because last year I got a tetanus shot without having to pay. For me it is just laziness.

 

[Imthatguy]

Mandatory flu vaccines aren't very intelligent other vaccines on the other hand... well I don't want my (hypothetical) child to die of typhus or the croup because your lazy or misinformed.

 

[Luftwaffles]

Never bothered with flu vaccines. Rarely get sick.

I went a step further and took part in a phase4 flu vaccine trial instead.

 

[dyre]

Doctors and people who work in hospitals should be forced to get it. I'll usually get a shot because my insurance covers it, but if someone else doesn't want it, I guess that's alright

 

[SciMal]

I haven't bothered to get a flu vaccine in years. I have a really good immune system, so I hardly ever get sick.

That's... that's not how it works.

Your vulnerability to virii has more to do with luck than immune system response strength.




OT: I have to get it to volunteer at the hospital. It hasn't caused me any grief, but it's not a guarantee against the flu - just the most common variants of the flu.

The Flu vaccines are option for a reason (the flu is rarely fatal in all but the very young and very old).

All of the other vaccines should be taken advantage of, and any parent even thinking about avoiding the major vaccines for their kids should have their kids taken away by CPS.