I just want to say, if I were a Senator or Representative right now, I

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

would NOT get a flu shot. I understand there are 2,000 reserved for members of Congress and their spouses or something?

Not only would I not get it, my spouse wouldn't either (given we are youngish and healthy) and I'd encourage other Congress-critters to do the same.

I'd ask that the two shots my spouse and I gave up be given to two elderly.

Wouldn't that be great? Are Congress-critters doing this?

[lfs5]

1. I'd bring an elderly person...

Let them have my shot and turn the whole thing into a photo op for the media!

[DaveinMD]

2. why the elderly

what about children and pregnant women. Why do we put the elderly ahead of children in our society.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

3. I don't know

I just picked them. Geez.

[dietdpfan]

5. Children are stronger than you think.

I think with children, we need to constantly reinforce the basic hygenic habits that will keep the flu from getting spread--hand washing, sneezing into a tissue, etc. They are stonger than we think. I never had a flu vaccine as a child and I turned out okay.

The elderly, especially those who have been ill previously, have weakened immune systems that warrants the need for first priority flu shots.

Just my humble opinion.

[DaveinMD]

10. my wife is pregnant

and had to connive to get the flu shot at the grocery store. We've already had three miscarriages and it pisses me off that her priority is below that of someone who's lived a long life.

[calimary]

6. It's because they are in the "vulnerable" category. Kids are, too.

Particularly the young ones. It's anybody considered in one way or another - well, delicate. Old people don't have as much strength or endurance, but neither do the itty-bitties. They're sort of lumped into one group. They did that with smog alerts here in L.A. too, when we had them. When the air quality was deemed unhealthy, the elderly AND children were advised to stay indoors.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

4. My mother is elderly and in poor health.

Her doctor told her she isn't "qualified" to get a flu shot this year.
So not all elderly are getting it.

Moonbeam, I'd do what you suggest. The weaker and most vunerable of our society should get those shots.
I'd think, in an election year, many would decline the shot for some PR <"see, I care about our seniors, vote for me!">

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

7. I honestly wasn't thinking PR

which is probably why I'd make a crappy politician!!!

[missouri dem]

8. I agree

I can't imagine that any of them would be selfish enough to accept a shot with millions of people who are more in need.

[LittleClarkie]

9. My company set up a flu shot day for us this week

I keep thinking "How do I rate when others are told to just suck it up and not get one?" The company has paid for anyone to get one who wants one. I wonder if I refuse, if they will go to someone else, considering the company paid for them.

[flaminbats]

11. perhaps the Majority Leader is sending a message to the public..

screw the President, stay healthy and get the damned shot! :headbang:

Was it the doctor speaking to Senator Frist, or just God?