A large number of those who have been chosen as primary recipients of the H1N1 vaccine are declining the injection, apparently because many Danes have the impression that swine flu is not as dangerous as first suggested. Some 360,000 police officers, nurses, doctors and others deemed to be in key functions have been offered the vaccine but under a third have applied. "After planning and and carrying out 12 seasons of mass vaccinations against influenza, I would think that at the moment only about 30 percent of those in key functions are prepared to take the vaccine," says Danske Lægers Vaccinations Service (DLVS, Danish Doctors Vaccination Service) Chairman Karsten Østergaard. The DLVS is Denmark's largest vaccination agency, which is in constant contact wioth national and local authorities in connection with the vaccination of key personnel, and based on reporting from these authorities the service says only few want the vaccine.
Just weeks before the Dutch vaccination campaign against influenza A(H1N1) is due to begin, the reluctance to have the vaccine is increasing. In the Netherlands, two thirds of nursing staff say they do not want to be vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus. There is little enthusiasm for the flu jab in other European countries such as France, Belgium and Spain. In a small pub often visited by nursing staff near Amsterdam's university hospital, the AMC, the question "Who wants to have the vaccination?" immediately sparks a lively debate. People have their doubts. "For me it's not really clear whether there is a reduced risk in vaccination or not, if there is a reduced risk for the patient. And it's not very clear so far. There are discussions on television and in the papers, but so far it's not very clear." Ute, who works in a home for people with a handicap, says she would not even consider having the vaccine: "No, I certainly wouldn't. For a start it is very difficult to really protect yourself against flu. Every flu jab targets a certain virus. And there are hundreds going around, so you are not protected at all. The side effects can be really serious. And it seems like there is a lot of panic-spreading going on. It is only the pharmaceutical industry that stands to benefit from it."
Just weeks before the Dutch vaccination campaign against influenza A(H1N1) is due to begin, the reluctance to have the vaccine is increasing. In the Netherlands, two thirds of nursing staff say they do not want to be vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus. There is little enthusiasm for the flu jab in other European countries such as France, Belgium and Spain.
In a small pub often visited by nursing staff near Amsterdam's university hospital, the AMC, the question "Who wants to have the vaccination?" immediately sparks a lively debate. People have their doubts.
"For me it's not really clear whether there is a reduced risk in vaccination or not, if there is a reduced risk for the patient. And it's not very clear so far. There are discussions on television and in the papers, but so far it's not very clear."
Ute, who works in a home for people with a handicap, says she would not even consider having the vaccine:
"No, I certainly wouldn't. For a start it is very difficult to really protect yourself against flu. Every flu jab targets a certain virus. And there are hundreds going around, so you are not protected at all. The side effects can be really serious. And it seems like there is a lot of panic-spreading going on. It is only the pharmaceutical industry that stands to benefit from it."
