Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Parents Hate H1N1 Vaccines, New York May Have Immunity Anyway
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Oct 8, 2009
Modified Oct 8, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Oct 8, 2009
Modified Oct 8, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Drama! Even though the city is urging parents to get their children vaccinated against H1N1, a national survey found out that only 34% would give their children the shot, the rest preferring their children become infected with delicious, porcine goodness. "It’s just too new on the market, and we don’t know what side effects it may have on children," one parent told the Daily News. These concerns still come after Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius insisted that the H1N1 vaccine is perfectly safe, and that the "adverse effects are minimal compared to what can happen when you get the flu" (seriously—swine flu seems TERRIBLE).
However, New Yorkers may have reason to rejoice. More recent studies show that places that suffered a swine flu epidemic this spring have shown little sign of resurgence. New York City health officials believe that a good percentage of New Yorkers may have been exposed in the spring, and have since developed an immunity that has kept the disease from spreading. "We’re seeing essentially no disease transmitted in the city," NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas A. Farley told a conference last Friday.
But if you're still worried and don't feel like venturing into the scary world of medicine, Queens restaurant London Lennie's is offering swine flu "shots," with gazpacho, tequila and oysters, which are apparently packed with immune supporting vitamins like zinc and selenium. Whatever you do, just stay away from the Backstreet Boys.
Tagged
flu
flu season
h1n1
h1n1 vaccine
nyc health department
swine flu
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .