So I checked these links and still want to get the H1N1 vaccine. The CBS "star" reporter sounded like a complete idiot. You don't need freedom of information act or anything--CDC have been showing that they aren't testing "probable cases" of H1N1 unless you are hospitalized. They should send her back to school to learn how to read what is in plain English on the CDC site.

As for physicians sometimes not recommending H1N1 vaccine because they think it might not have had enough time to test it....hhhmmmm...it's the same vaccine we used for the seasonal flu except a different strand. Of course, one could argue that the seasonal flu vaccine is also unsafe because it hasn't been around for 50 years and people with longer than 50 year life expectancy sometimes are recommended to take it. There's always a group of physicians who will contradict any recommendation from any other medical authority. I read of doctors against chemotherapy, heart bypass surgery, blah, blah. H1N1 vaccine is no exception. The CBS reporter just knew how to manipulate and stir up thoughts so people like Jan Brown will pay attention to it as news when there aren't any.

Life is filled with risks. We live around all kinds of bugs most aren't harmful but can mutate into something more dangerous. The only thing you can do is to look at the available info and make your own judgment.

Lack of natural immunity, Spreading during warmer months, and possible mutation to resist antiviral drugs are all factors I consider. For the immediate moment, the antiviral drugs seem to work. But if a large group of people needed them, it is only a matter of time those drugs won't work and/or we will run out of supply.

When the seasonal flu shot was offered early this season at work, I took it knowing that manufacturers must compromise its capacity to produce them with the H1N1 vaccine. I had anticipated the possibility that a temporary shortage of the seasonal vaccine could happen. Plus there's a risk of contracting both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 at the same time. Most people don't die directly from the flu but their immune system gets compromised enough that they contract other diseases like Pneumonia. Getting a Pneumonia vaccine if you are concerned about the H1N1 flu but aren't too sure about the H1N1 vaccine wouldn't be a bad choice. So Jan, did you just complain and make excuses on how to do nothing or did you even bother learning the risks of this flu and why it can become dangerous and look for options to protect yourself? Doesn't seem like you did your homework.

Wishing Mrs. Howard a speedy recovery, and so glad Clark got his shot! He is my favorite economic advisor. I am worried about the boy though, I pray a safe vaccine becomes available. God bless!

I enjoy your newsletter. Glad you got your shot over with. I got mine, too.

The WHO/CDC ordered docs to stop testing for H1N1 back in August, so how does one know Mrs. C had it, or some other virus?

I won't say that everyone should avoid the swine flu shot because that is a personal choice, but please do some research at NVIC.com and mercola.com and then decide. The mass media is not providing all the information to make an informed decision.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine first. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. Reference: CDC website

Esperamo que Mrs Clark, se recupere pronto.

so sorry swine flu hit your home! praying - it ususally hits folks your age and the younger set, hopefully us oldies 80 or so will not get it!

Ditto for Wisconsin. Only those in the target group can get the vaccine. There appears to be a shortage and even the clinics are not getting the vaccine. What to do!

Here in Georgia anyone my age (58)that is healthy, cannot get the shot yet.