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Note: Guest Opinions are added to this page on an intermittent basis. Don't panic The flu vaccine shortage won't last, and those who need it most should get it first Delays in flu vaccines should not cause panic among those planning to get a shot to stay healthy this winter. Delivery of the vaccine has slowed because of delays in federal certification. The delivery delays have been experienced throughout Oregon. They apparently are not connected to the appearance of anthrax in New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida, according to state health authorities. Nor is there any connection between taking flu vaccines and protection from anthrax. Anthrax is a bacterium, not a virus, and flu vaccine does not provide immunity to it. Health officials recommend that flu shots be taken by individuals over the age of 65 and people with significant health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Flu vaccinations are not a priority for healthy adults younger than 65, although many over-50 adults get a flu shot anyway to reduce the chance of spending several days out of work during the winter months. State health officials said vaccines probably will arrive early enough to protect people from the flu, which usually does not peak in Oregon until January or February. For those seeking flu shots, health officials recommend that they call in advance and confirm that flu vaccine is available before making plans to attend an immunization clinic. We would add this advice to normally healthy adults: If you ordinarily wouldn't bother to get a flu shot, don't rush to get one this year because of general anxiety about terrorist attacks. If you really want one, don't rush to be first in line. Let those who need the protection most get the shots first. Supplies of vaccine will be better later on. We wouldn't want to see an elderly patient or a person with serious health problems denied protection because others panicked. Get involved Want to quit just griping about government and actually do something about those complaints? The city of Medford is looking for residents wishing to serve on city boards, commissions and committees. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30. Interviews will be scheduled in December. Appointments will begin Feb. l. Applications are available in Room 312 at City Hall. For more information, call 774-2000. The City Council usually gets the ink, but much of the real work of government gets done quietly by these boards and commissions made up of volunteer city residents who care enough to get involved. If you don't live in Medford, don't let that stop you. All towns and cities have these bodies, and often are in need of volunteers to fill seats on them. Don't live in a city? Jackson County, too, has its share of boards and commissions. In Medford, residents are needed for these groups: Budget Committee, Urban Renewal Budget Committee, Cemetery Commission, Communications Advisory Committee, Multicultural Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Site Plan and Architectural Commission, Street SDC and Street Utility Appeal Board, Transient Lodging Tax Review Committee, Unified Appeal Board and the Medford Water Commission. |
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The Mail Tribune welcomes letters on any topic of general public relevance and interest. Please include a daytime phone number and address for verification. We cannot print letters, even e--mail letters, without verification. We're interested in the comments of all our on--line readers, but we can only publish letters from residents within our Southern Oregon and Northern California circulation area. Sorry, we cannot publish poetry. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Address your letters of 250 word or less (150 words for thank you or election letters) to: Letters to the editor Or send your e--mail letter to: The Mail Tribune offers its opinion pages to stimulate discussion and understanding of issues important to our community. Editorials in this column reflect the opinions of the Mail Tribune.
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