Swine Flu Vaccine for Santa? November 19
The Christmas Tree being put up at the Rockefeller Center will be lit on December 2nd, signaling the start of the Christmas season, and department stores and malls all across America will definitely have a resident harbinger of joy: Santa and his happy helpers. And while they are handing out presents without expecting anything in return, they would nevertheless like to be protected from something that they might unknowingly receive – swine flu.
Jolly old Santa, his round belly and his snowy white beard, however, are not on the priority list of people who should receive swine flu shots. When we come to think of it, however, at this time of year, it does seem that Santas everywhere fit the description of someone who ought to be on the priority list — they will be exposed to and associate closely with potential swine flu carriers. This is especially true for Santas who will be volunteering to visit sick children in hospitals and health care facilities.
Also mentioned was their generous bellies, as obesity is considered as a major risk factor – except, of course, the Santa with the fake belly. Since we have not even gotten through immunizing all those who are in the priority list, we think there is no telling whether they will get their shots in time for their scheduled appearances at shopping halls.
Santas are already meeting and talking ways through which they can protect themselves, even sans vaccine. Organizations such as the Amalgamated Order of Bearded Santas and Santa America are reportedly organizing seminars and talking strategies and health guidelines, such as using hand sanitizers and ensuring that their immune systems are bolstered by taking vitamins.
Parents are also advised to be keen about the health condition of their children, and if their children are sniffling and coughing or having intermittent fevers, then it is more prudent to keep them at home. Santa could wait another day.
Tags: swine flu prevention, swine flu protection, swine flu Santa Claus, swine flu vaccine, swine flu vaccine supply