"But since the government is very obviously running the show when it comes to the distribution of vaccine, it's not exactly a reassuring introduction to some kind of "public option." Some big improvements, and explanations, are in order — sooner than later — before the public option gets tainted by this nasty virus."
As an employee of the federal government for over 30 years I can say with certainty that this is exactly what you should expect of any government program. The situation described above is the norm. Susan, why are you even a bit surprised?

The mindset of "never waste a good crisis" will come back and bite our "leaders".
The flu was overblown for effect as is healthcare. If 85% of the people are content with their insurance (if not it's cost) why are they reinventing the wheel? Instead of picking the low lying fruit like fixing the corruption in medicare and medicaid that everyone TALKS about, competition over state lines, portability and tort reform, they want to transform this into socialized medicine. We have the best medical facilities in the world with minimum waiting periods, innovation and research. Unfortunately, that comes with a high price tag. If you want socialized medicine--move, I guarantee you'll be back.

Me thinks this inept administration is purposely creating another 'crisis' becuase "you can't let a good crsisi go to waste."
Susan, please explain what that statement by a liberal means! Should I be afraid? Or is everything going to be 'hunky-dory'?

Susan,

You see a psychiatrist? That would be an interesting article... why do you go? does it do any good? how does it differ from dealing with things with just yourself and your friends.

I'm not interested from a voyeuristic standpoint. I've just never been and am wondering what the big deal is. I guess, for me, it would be analogous to seeing a chiropractor (never been to one of those either.)

I just got my from Vons in SoCal. I was shopping and spontaneously inquired what the flu vaccine days/hours were. They said "all the time" but they only had 10 doses left. It took 5 minutes and $30 including paperwork. I got a 10 percent off coupon on my next grocery visit. Coolness. The pharmacist said they couldn't get enough eggs to make the vaccine because of high demand and the two different kind of flu.

I learned my flu shot getting lessons a few years ago. I didn't have insurance at the time, so couldn't go to Kaiser or similar. I had heard supermarkets were doing shots, but that just seemed bizarre. I went to the nearest clinic that was doing flu shots - a rather disgusting place and sat there feeling a little guilty and snobbish for finding it so disgusting while I was completely ignored for THREE HOURS.

I finally got up and went to Rite Aid. Never looked back. I ALWAYS get my flu shots at a non-medical setting now. I'll pay the $25, you know? Fast, relatively non-depressing, Clean, the doctor or pharmacist was a Norman Rockwell painting. Vons (in a nice neighborhood) is even better.

For the pregnant ladies out there: all you need to do is bring a note from your OB-GYN with you when you go for a flu shot. They will not deny you. The Dr. note is simply part of their protocol. You can ask your OB-GYN at your next visit or ask them to fax the note. It's not hard, I promise. Perhaps Susan should let her secretary know so that she doesn't need to drive so far out of the way next time...

I am in my mid sixties and routinely got yearly flu shots. Never a bad reaction,,,until this year. I got the shot at one of the national drug store chains and within days, I was very sick and I developed neuropathy in my legs. Within one week I could not stand without the aid of a cane and could barely walk. On September 29, I fell over backwards in my driveway due to the leg weakness. I struck my head and had a welt on my head the size of the top of a Campbell soup can that rose up a good inch. After many many X=rays and Mri procedures, I am on the way to some recovery of the head fracture but NOT the musculature weakness. This flu shot was not safe for me. While I understand the value of flu shots for many, and I was one of those for many years, they are not entirely safe. One of the nurses who handled my case, privately whispered to me that she would never again get a flu shot unless it was required for her job because she had seen so many BadReaction cases from flu shots. They are not safe for everybody. If you are in overall very good health, I personally would recommend AGAiNST getting a flu shot. Use some judgment when contemplating the value of a flu shot for you. Don't be panicked into a decision that might leave you in a wheelchair as has happened to me.

Glad you have a psychiatrist.

Susan

Please tell me you are to SMART to by into this bullshit! Our government sucks and they are making people SAD and SICK and posing our kids and families. I wish everyone would just WAKE UP and see see things for what they are.

Maybe if people would just stop and eat right and get some sleep and SLOW DOWN there would not be so many people getting sick. I think people should have some common sense in regards to what to wear as well. It's winter time and PEOPLE YOU NEED A COAT NOW! I would not get that flu shot for anything and personally nobody I know has had one..

If the health care "system" really worked in this country, the government would not need to step in and run a vaccine program. Why is that not the responsibility of health care providers and big pharma? The reason is that there is not enough profit in producing vaccines. Too much risk, too little profit, and nobody will pay for excess production. So don't blame the govt, they don't run the production lines and they don't get paid to produce the vaccine.