To the Editor:
As a teacher of immunology and vaccine science at Brown, I am quite pleased to read of the popularity of the H1N1 vaccine among undergraduates ("Students go hog-wild over vaccine," Dec. 3). I am compelled, however, to address certain quotes in the article as they echo common misconceptions about influenza and the vaccine.
"They just came out with this vaccine and I don't think it's very well understood." While it is true that this strain of influenza is new, the vaccine itself is produced in exactly the same way that seasonal influenza vaccines have been produced for many years. In fact, that's one of the main reasons for the current shortages of the H1N1 vaccine, since the vaccine manufacturing infrastructure takes many months to ramp up to full production and we got a late start with this strain of the virus.
The swine flu is "a lot like other flus, so I'm not worried about it." Most people don't realize how serious seasonal influenza is. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that in a "typical" year there are at least 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths related to influenza infections in the United States, mostly among the elderly. What is different about the 2009 H1N1 strain is that it is hitting younger populations harder than usual, and Brown undergraduates are squarely in the age range that has seen an elevated level of infections, hospitalizations and deaths.
"It would be inconvenient to get sick, but I'm sure I could manage." You might feel differently if you got sick the night before a final exam. And even if you can manage, think about the people you could pass the infection to who might have a harder time with the virus. Like a friend with asthma or some other chronic disease. Or an elderly relative when you go home for winter break. And don't forget about your professors!
"I've never gotten the flu in the past." Then you are extremely fortunate. But by the same logic, would you not put on your seat belt because you've never been in a serious car accident? Or not look both ways when you cross the street since you've never been run over by a bus?
In short, influenza vaccines are safe, effective and they save lives. Protect yourself and the people you care about — please get vaccinated.
Richard Bungiro PhD '99
Lecturer in Biology
Dec. 3
ADVERTISEMENT