I won’t be a guinea pig!

Aug 30 2009 Sunday Sun

Not when so many frontline medical staff have expressed concerns about potential side- effects.

A survey of GPs published this week found that up to 60 per cent may decline vaccination.

And that mirrors a similar survey of nurses earlier this month, when up to one third said they would refuse the jab . . . and another third were unsure about it.

Both these surveys were carried out by reputable media, namely Healthcare Republic and Nursing Times Magazine.

It doesn’t fill you with confidence does it?

I feel especially concerned for nurses, who will be under immense pressure to fall in line and be vaccinated or stand accused of putting their patients at risk.

And, of course, if they’re not seen to lead by example, why should the rest of us follow?

I don’t doubt that the Government ordered the vaccine with the best of intentions.

But the simple truth is that it is unlikely to have been thoroughly tested in time for the expected rise in swine flu cases in the autumn.

Many people – and I’m among them – would rather take their chances. Especially after the World Health organisation has already said most sufferers will simply experience symptoms similar to normal flu, and that they should just go to bed and take paracetamol.

Yes, people with underlying health problems may succumb to the virus. But regular flu kills people too.

All the evidence suggests the vast majority who contract swine flu will be poorly for around a week then get better, thus immunising themselves against that strain.

I’d rather have to put up with a week of discomfort than a lifetime of wondering what the hell has been pumped into my system and whether it’s likely to cause complications in the future