Does CDC Recommend Shots for NASCAR Fans?
Oct 12, 2007 Uncategorized
Congressional staffers who visited two sites where NASCAR races were taking place were advised to get immunizations for Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, tetanus, and diphtheria. These staffers made trips to local hospitals that would respond to emergencies if something happened at one of these events. I am not sure who actually advised them to get the shots but it should have been a doctor. Most of these shots are unnecessary or should already be up to date.
Hepatitis A is a disease that is transferred via the fecal oral route. In the US we do not have sewage running all over and though an outbreak can occur from improper hand washing by food workers, the staffers are no more likely to get it at the hospital than they are at the Congressional Cafeteria. Hepatitis B is passed from blood from an infected person and involves certain exposures (like sex, IV drug use, and birth) none of which I think the staffers would be involved in. However, the vaccine is part of the series children now get. While it is prudent for health care workers to receive it (and require it to work in health care) it is unlikely that these staffers would be exposed to blood or other body fluids in the scope of their duties. They are probably less likely to get the disease than the people who visit loved ones who are hospitalized and we do not routinely recommend that they get the vaccine. Though I think it is a good idea for everyone who is able to get the vaccine do so I do not think this mission specifically required it.
Tetanus is required as a child and boosters are given every 10 years and most people get one after some kind of open would injury though puncture wounds (like stepping on a nail) are most problematic. I doubt that the staffers were working where they would be at risk though one could argue that they would be walking around the NASCAR event where various objects might present as hazards. However, a tetanus shot may be given when they injury is treated and will just as effective.
Diphtheria is a respiratory illness (it ialso has a cutaneous or skin component) transmitted via direct person-to-person transmission by intimate respiratory and physical contact. While it is unlikely that this would occur on this mission, there would be a great number of people around breathing all over each other. Since diphtheria is bundled with tetanus, this might be the reason it was recommended.
The flu shot is the only one that makes sense. This is flu season and there will be a lot of people running around. Plus they will be visiting hospitals which are full of sick people.
Since these shots were recommended to perform a job, the employer is required to provide them without charge. Perhaps this was a way to allow staffers to update their shot record at taxpayer expense. One must ask if the CDC recommends these shots for NASCAR fans who spend a great deal more time at these events than do Congressional staffers.
Story:
McClatchy
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Tags: Commentary, diphtheria, hepatitis, influenza, Link Fest, NASCAR, tetanus