The blog of photographer Kim Ayres

Swine Flu Vaccination Offer

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10 days ago…

Ring ring

Hello?

Hello. This is the health centre. Meg is on the high priority group for getting a swine flu vaccination

We think Meg’s already had swine flu. In fact a swab was taken a couple of weeks ago when she was ill, although we still haven’t been told the results of that.

Well she’s entitled to have the jab as she’s on a high priority list

I think it would be better if we find out whether she had it first.


5 Days ago

Ring ring

Hello?

Hello. This is the health centre. We can confirm from the results of the swab test - Meg did indeed have swine flu. Would you like to bring her in for a vaccination?

But if she’s already had it, isn’t that a bit pointless?

Well there’s always a minor risk she might get it again…

But surely the antibodies created from already having the flu will be more effective than the jab anyway

Hold on one moment, Dr Scott’s walking past, I’ll ask him… muffled murmurs… Och, you’re probably right. Don’t worry about it then


Today

Ring ring

Hello?

Hello. This is the health centre. Meg is on our priority list for getting a swine flu vaccination. Would you like to arrange a time to bring her in?

But she’s already had swine flu

Ah, but unless people have had an actual swab and the test has proven it, we’re still advising them to come in for the jab.

But she did have a swab and it was proven.

Oh. I’ll maybe take her off this list then…


It has been widely publicised that health centres are getting paid an extra £5.25 for each swine flu vaccination they give, and that the goverment is keen to be seen as acting concerned.

Of course I would never be so cynical as to suggest there was any connection between that and the phone calls we’ve been getting.

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36 comments

Susan Carpenter Sims said...

That's pretty bad when you have to get off a calling list from your own doctor.

Of course, it's difficult to imagine American doctor's offices even pretending to be that concerned.

Cloud said...

Definitely agreed with above! It's got to be annoying to keep getting calls about a vaccine that's obviously not needed. However, I've never seen an American doctor's office ever be that persistant unless you owe them money (or at least they think you do).

Carrie said...

It's pathetic that doctors are trying to recruit people to take a vaccine! I mean, it would good if they were actually concerned, but I think from the content of the phone calls it's obvious that they're less than familiar with their patients medical histories...

I hope Meg is back to tip top shape and that the swine flu doesn't come knocking again! ;)

Stella said...

That's similar to the phonecall my brother got last year from the District Nurse who wanted to call to the house to see my father as he was on her list for home visits..............................he died in 2004!!!!!!

Charlie said...

I suspect you are dealing with idiots all way round. Too bad there isn't a vaccine for idiocy because it's highly contagious.

Cannwin said...

I agree with Pollinatrix about some American doctors--


I say to my doctor: My knee is bothering me.

And she says: Oh, do you want to see a physical therapist?

I say: My baby is spitting up a lot.

And she says: Do you want a prescription.

I go to my son's doctor and say: My son is having trouble breathing.

He says: Well there are several options we can try. First though I want to run some tests so we can get a better idea of why he is having trouble.


If I could, I would stuff my sons doctor in a closet and pull him out whenever I had a problem. He's the best.

Jennifer said...

It seems more like a factory in the US, but considering the lines I have thought...how is CAPITALISM tied into this hubbub. Seems you may have proven my theory of the circle of it all. Very Interesting.

Barlinnie said...

Kim, I have a friend in Clydebank who can confirm your suspicions...

In fact, one enterprising doctors surgery in Paisley has been bussing people in from as far away as Stirling, just to turn a coin.

Care in the community? Don't make me laugh!

stinkypaw said...
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stinkypaw said...

Sad to see it's the same "scam" everywhere...

Helen said...

Hey Bearded One - very interesting ramble today. I have actually been advised against having the swine flu vacc. by my own Dr. He reported that a vacc. usually takes a long time to test and establish, but the "swine flu vacc" offered was a rush job authorised by governments as form of showing concern and as a revenue maker. Hmmm, if you can't trust your own government.... (hahahaha as if!!!!)Anyway, hoping Meg is better soon.

Jayne Martin said...

That's only slightly better than the solicitations I get from The Neptune Society offering discount cremation services if I sign up now.

Anonymous said...

Scary. Although I had to chuckle as I could relate to the couple of American's comments.

Alice said...

I have a feeling that nurse is related to the woman at my old cell phone service provider.

Apex Zombie said...

Better that than the alternative, though, I reckon.

Jasmine said...

Wow. Can't really say much more.

Sayre said...

Since I'm not the one answering the phone, it's pretty funny to me. I got the shot in November and my boy gets it tomorrow. I don't think there's any kickback though.

Midnitefyrfly said...

I feel a mix of anger, resentment, irritation, and NO surprise what so ever.

My husband has an aunt that is an herbalist. (The only "good" drug user of that generation since you know our past)

She has a natural remedy for everything. She knows how to change your diet when you have certain symptoms. She does not believe in sudden onset vaccinations and researches everything.

She also seems to have good sense when it comes to considering symptoms as they could relate to serious disease vs. a virus.

She does like I do. I research my symptoms and go into my Dr. with a list of what I think might be going on.

I call her before I call my Dr. and have for 5 year years. In fact, my kids have only been to the Dr. for well child check ups. Even my "preemie" who I was literally promised by the NICU would have problems.

I figured I would leave you with my positive non medical related stories, because the medical horror stories would keep me here, like for a sleepover comment session.

Cinda said...

I think I spoke with this same office today only now they were doing there side job working the call center for an un-named airline. Yikes.

Falak said...

And I was taught democracy was the best form of government and that it actually cared for the people!

erika said...

A bit scary that you had to educate the health center person about antibodies...

AA said...
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AA said...

I've found there's a rigid divide between medics. Personally, even though I'm in frequent contact with the ailing, I refuse to have the jab. Perhaps not surprisingly.

The Hangar Queen said...

" If you get the jab today we can offer you the Family Premium Panic Pak for the the never to be repeated price of 99.99.
But wait..there's more.Call in the next 10 minutes and so on and so forth.

Hooray Meg
Boo creepy money/medicine matrix

debra said...

(o)

Anonymous said...

Your not being cynical at all, just realistic. I wondered why I didn't have to do my usual begging act to get Kerri vaccinated for Swine Flu.....now I know.

Pat said...

Somehow I missed this post. Apologies:)
Are they nitwits or just plain greedy? What does Meg think?
MTL has been offered it as 'high risk' and has it soon. I decided not to but haven't been offered anyway.

Entrepreneur Chick said...

When my father got a call he didn't like, he'd say, "Let me put my duck on the phone, talk to my duck, okay?"

He had this duck call, "WHAAAA!"
It was some sort of hand held affair.

Kim, wanna get a duck call?

Entrepreneur Chick said...

Oh, hi Pollinatrix!

You are so right. No way would American doctors call you up.

Ahem. Unless there was more dead presidents in it for 'em.

Unknown said...

Again a funny post. Good that you outsmarted him, shame that they kept calling you. Swine flu is overrated as it is.

Love,

Pat said...

LOL! Good one.

Jeffrey said...

Well since the U.S. government has control of the vaccine here they have made it the local health department's responspility to make sure everyone gets the hini shot and it has been a paid dealing with the whole situation. I can say first hand since I work for a local government health department. Staffing and tracking has added more work.

Attila the Mom said...

LOL

Little Guy is 19. We've been getting calls from every branch of the military at least once a month trying to recruit him for service since he turned 18.

No matter how many times I ask them to take him off the list because of his disability, it doesn't seem to sink in.

So for the last 3 or 4 months, I just hand the phone to the Kid and let him talk.

"Did you have breakfast this morning? What did you have? Do you wear socks? What kind socks are you wearing? I'm wearing black crew socks....etc."

::sigh::

Kim Ayres said...

Thank you all for your comments. I have read them at least 2 or 3 times each. I intended to respond to them all, but have been struggling a bit lately (see most recent post).

Meanwhile, just to let you know, the Ayres household is more or less well at the moment, with no major illnesses preventing life from carrying on.

Zaedah said...

I get calls from my doctor's office every year offering the regular flu vaccine. Nevermind that my file has, in giant red letters, the note that I'm allergic to penicillin and eggs. Therefore, the flu vaccine is a BAD idea!

Shouldn't someone notice that before making the call?

Anonymous said...

Zaedah, if yours is anything like our doctors surgery, they don't bother reading your notes..........

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