130 Comments

The CDC has long recommended flu vaccines to start at 6 months. Most kids - even those of very vaxxy parents - never get a flu shot, though, and flu shots are not required for school.

As COVID's virulence decreases it is increasingly perceived by the public as a flu. At current mortality rates - 367 per day is very low - and the possibility of a "long" phase - 30% for the flu versus 42% for COVID - that is not unfounded , but whether or not it is agreed with can be fought elsewhere. What we are dealing with here are the perceptions that drive behavior. In that regard, there may be a burst of childhood vaccinations in bluer areas but I expect that even that will drop off as COVID becomes "accepted".

I would love to be wrong because vaccination is such an effective tool, but I just have my doubts that this will matter a lot.

Expand full comment

Free delivery with Amazon Prime!

Expand full comment

Christ, haven't we had enough of kids getting shot?

Expand full comment

don't kink shame Atom!

Expand full comment

Would get extra vaccinated for that feature!

Expand full comment

You may be sitting on it, Potsie.

Expand full comment

Stop it. It is always a choice, whether it's Brock Turner in California or the Russian conscripts. You aren't there. And IT IS ALWAYS A CHOICE.

Expand full comment

Lucky I am old, I've have 2 full and 2 half doses.

Expand full comment

I'm sure he does. He's friendly that way.

Expand full comment

Reading comprehension! Or more beer, either one.

Expand full comment

If I were just a decade or so older, and single, I'd want her phone number.

Expand full comment

Maybe not those particular Russian conscripts, I'd guess.

Expand full comment

She has her moments

Expand full comment

Maybe we could start a rumor that the virus is KEEPING PEOPLE FROM turning people gay. That might shake loose some funding.

Expand full comment

THANK FUCKING GOD. I'm so exhausted from worrying about my four year old getting covid and passing it around the daycare and/or to her grandparents.

(Or to me, for that matter, as the proud owner of a chronic blood clot who cannot afford to multiply my risk of a PE seventeen fucking times by getting covid.)

Expand full comment

The old joke used to be: 90% of high school boys admit to masturbating. The other 10% are liars.

Expand full comment