mcanya
17-10-2009, 02:52 PM
Over the past few weeks, several prominent talk-show hosts from across the political spectrum have stoked public anxiety about the swine flu vaccine.
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/16/h1n1-flu-vaccine-fears-fueled-over-airwaves/?feat=home_headlines
jesuitsdidit
17-10-2009, 04:03 PM
op
Friday, October 16, 2009
H1N1 vaccine fears fueled over airwaves
HHS counters myths with facts on Web site
By Sonny Bunch
Interviewing former Senate majority leader and famed surgeon Bill Frist recently for his HBO talk show, "Real Time With Bill Maher," the host declared, "I would never get a swine flu vaccine or any vaccine."
Mr. Maher, recently honored with the Richard Dawkins Award as the figure in the arts and media who, among other things, best "advocates increased scientific knowledge," refused to be swayed by Dr. Frist's assurances — reflecting the professional medical consensus — that the vaccine is safe and effective.
Mr. Maher is not alone. Over the past few weeks, several prominent talk-show hosts from across the political spectrum have stoked public anxiety about the swine flu vaccine.
Rush Limbaugh was defiant on his Oct. 7 show, demanding, "How are they going to make me take it if I refuse to take it?"
Glenn Beck was slightly more circumspect, saying on his Sept. 30 program that "you don't know if this is gonna cause neurological damage."
Similar fears about the vaccine have led the Department of Health and Human Services to create a Web site countering myths and rumors about the swine flu virus with facts.
cnt