Dear Editor,
As a parent of a two-year-old and an expectant mother, I have been very interested in the news surrounding the H1N1 vaccine. After researching and speaking with multiple people in both the medical and pharmaceutical fields, I am still undecided about whether or not to vaccinate my daughter. Nevertheless, in agreement with my obstetrician, I decided that it was in my and my unborn son’s best interest to get the injection. I began calling doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health departments. All had similar responses, either there are no vaccines or they are unsure if and when they will be available. Despite asking to be placed on waiting lists, I was always told just to call back.
Thankfully, last week more information became available via several local media outlets. I was irritated at first because I had called the health departments in both Barren and Warren counties early on the days each of their stories were released, and at both places I was told that all vaccines were spoken for. Nevertheless, the advertisements clearly said that both clinics were targeting pregnant women (among other groups) and to call for an appointment. Even worse, when I asked to speak to a supervisor at the BCHD I found out that they had only received the mist vaccine, which pregnant women cannot take since it contains the live virus. Why then did the ad in the paper list them as the first priority group?
These false advertisements are misleading to the general public, fueling miscommunications and providing misinformation. This is a national issue caused by a supply that is nowhere near as abundant as promised, hence frustration on both sides of the issue. The health departments are not responsible for this problem but could help to resolve the issue by being more forthcoming with honest information.
Stephanie Esters
Glasgow
