No Flu Vaccine Shortage At Capitol

No Flu Vaccine Shortage At Capitol
Hill's Doctor Urges Members to Get Shots

By Charles Babington and David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, October 20, 2004; Page A01

While many Americans search in vain for flu shots, members and employees of Congress are able to obtain them quickly and at no charge from the Capitol's attending physician, who has urged all 535 lawmakers to get the vaccines even if they are young and healthy.

The physician's office has dispensed nearly 2,000 flu shots this fall, and doses remained available yesterday. That is a steep drop from last year's 9,000 shots, a spokesman for attending physician John F. Eisold said, because many congressional employees have voluntarily abided by federal guidelines that call for this season's limited supply to go mainly to the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, long-term-care patients and people with chronic illnesses.

But people of all ages who are credentialed to work in the Capitol can get a shot by saying they meet the guidelines, with no further questions asked, said the spokesman, who cited office policy in demanding anonymity.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A46325-2004Oct19.html?nav=rss_topnews

"Just go ahead and DIE, already!!"

:puke:

All Repugs and their staffs should decline the shots.