“Women and children first.”
That call has been intended since the mid-1800s to place chivalry above personal safety during rescue attempts.
The cry is best known as the procedure used in getting Titanic survivors on lifeboats: 74 percent of the woman onboard were saved as were 52 percent of the children, yet only 20 percent of the men survived.
Nowadays, the call seems to be “First come, first served.”
Such is the protocol being used at Wednesday’s H1N1 drive-through clinic at 5 p.m. at Hoosier Park. A second drive-through clinic is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Madison County 4-H Fairgrounds in Alexandria. The vaccinations will be free, although participants will have to sign consent forms.
The eligible group for vaccination includes pregnant women; health and day-care workers; young adults under 24, and individuals 25 years and older with pre-existing, chronic medical conditions. Generally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also includes in that list the caregivers of infants less than six months old.
When vaccines are limited and public safety is at risk, a line certainly has to be drawn in administering H1N1 shots.
Madison County health officials are making a proper attempt in setting priorities. But like a “woman and children first” appeal, guidelines must be followed.
At the time of the announcement of the drive-through, Madison County was hoping to receive 20,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine by now, instead it has received about 7,700 doses.
But a “first come, first treated” approach may cause long drive-through lines and, possibly, frustration among those most needing the vaccine. It just won’t seem fair if a healthy 50-year-old man gets the last shot over someone who takes care of infants.
Pandemic pandemonium probably won’t mar the Hoosier Park drive-through. Madison County residents will respond with understanding if the vaccine supplies run out. However, the health department should post its guidelines at the drive-through and limit vaccines to those in priority risk groups: “Women, children, caregivers, health care workers, emergency workers and those with chronic medical conditions first.” Others will have to wait until those are served.
Editorials
Editorial: Follow guidelines for H1N1 drive-throughs
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
-
You Said It: About contract, 'Teen Mom,' State of the City
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com, coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
