Congressional staffers were sent on a mission to NASAR races to investigate “public health issues at events involving mass gatherings”. But before the staffers went, they were instructed to get immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza. Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) went on Fox to defend the recommendation.
“Since committee staff members are visiting hospital and other health-care facilities available at or near these venues, including areas where groups of people are detained before being transferred to other off-site facilities, I believe that the recommendation (not requirement) that our congressional staff receive these same immunizations was sound,” Mr. Thompson said.
“I am sure you would agree that providing immunizations to personnel involved in public safety is good public health policy, and there is no need to exclude staff from taking the preventative measures that the public health community recommends — regardless of why and where mass gatherings are taking place,” Mr. Thompson said.
One thing, though. If their overall health is a concern, why hasn’t it been recommended for other events, as I’m sure staffers don’t simply go from work to home. See, HepA, HepB, Diphtheria, and influenza can be picked up through regular contact with other individuals. While HepB is an STD, it can also be acquired through coming in contact with saliva or urine. Assuming staffers aren’t put into a closet after work, they go elsewhere. Yet it was only recommended once they went to a NASCAR race. So pardon me if I call *cough*bullsh*t*.
For the record, Republican staffers refused the shots, and at least 2 Democrats took them.
by Stephan Tawney on Fri, Oct 12, 2007