State: Inmates not getting vaccine before other citizens
MADISON — The state Department of Corrections says its inmates aren’t getting better access to swine-flu vaccine than are others citizens.
The DOC responded Friday to criticism from a state lawmaker who says inmates shouldn’t be getting scarce vaccine while other people have to wait. Republican state Rep. Brett Davis of Oregon says there are pregnant law-abiding citizens having trouble getting the vaccine.
DOC spokesman John Dipko says his agency has received 900 doses of vaccine, but only 5 percent of that has gone to inmates. He says most of those inmates are pregnant women or otherwise in high-risk groups.
He says people in the general inmate population aren’t getting the vaccine yet.
The issue has gained prominence after vaccine shortages were reported nationwide.
Nov 1, 2009 at 7:47 p.m.
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I can understand the case being made to provide the vaccine to some of the high risk inmates but I do not understand why terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay are getting it. Are we trying to keep them healthy so they can continue their murderous goals?
Nov 1, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
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I agree with this article. Why not immunize the prisons? Some inmates may get out tomorrow, then what! They will infect the general public. I personally am not getting the shot, I am healthy and only 46 but I believe children, elderly, and pregnant women should come first. Before the general public.
Nov 1, 2009 at 4:07 a.m.
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That movie is like, five hours long. I read the book pretty easily, but sitting still for that long to watch the movie is pretty impossible... even if Rob Lowe doesn't have a speaking line in the movie.
Nov 1, 2009 at 1:26 a.m.
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are you sure this vaccine is even safe? another thing inmates are not exactly in the party loop,you visit them with glass between you,if you go to the prisons to visit someone,dont go if youre sick.the staff at jails and prisons should not let anyone in that they suspect has the flu,just as a precaution,for themselves and not to spread to the inmates,i know some may feel that they dont care if the inmates live or die,but im sure their family members do.these vaccines should be used on the people who should choose to take them.i would like an answer to my question if someone could tell me,what makes this flu more dangerous than the bird flu? iam asking because i dont know,someone please explain.thank-you
Oct 31, 2009 at 9:22 p.m.
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But the article says only 5% are going to inmates. that means 95% are going to staff, etc.
Oct 31, 2009 at 7:06 p.m.
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Cheaper for who? The vast majority of those infected get regular flu symptoms. The death rate is no more significant than that of the "regular" flu. I would say the public school teachers, school bus drivers, and cops would pose more of a "risk" and expense liability to the public than felons. Let's be honest there's a factor of the principal here too. Government health care anyone?
Oct 31, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.
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BUT, the priority should be high-risk citizens before criminals. Just to be clear.
Oct 31, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
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And if they all get sick, who will be footing the hospital bills? Much cheaper to immunize them than to pay for medical care later.
Oct 31, 2009 at 6:23 p.m.
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Seems pretty straightforward that prisons would be a dangerous incubator of flu like other institutions where people are cooped up together. People have to think in terms of protecting the general population from the virus, not simply making individuals immune.
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(But 900 doses is barely a beginning for even Wisconsin prisons.)
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