A Flu Shot, a Letter and an Unexpected Response
Every fall, doctors beg the public to get a flu shot. It might not be a big deal to an adult, but for a kid, that needle can be intimidating.
That was the case for Norah Murphy. Two years ago she was a third grader in Homewood and she did not want to get a flu shot.
“I had never had a flu shot before, so I was pretty nervous,” Norah says.
That’s because she had only had the flu mist, which can be taken through the nose. But that year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against the flu mist because it was not very effective. Norah would have to receive the dreaded flu shot.
So she wrote a letter.
Norah wasn’t sure about sending it. She was just eight years old. But after encouragement from her mom, they dropped it in the mail.
It landed on the desk of Dr. Mark Wilson. He’s the health officer for Jefferson County and the head of the county Department of Health.
Wilson says he’s never received a letter like this before. He was impressed, not only because of Norah’s age, but because she signed it “your friend, who cares a lot.”
“She wasn’t just thinking about herself,” Wilson says. “I think she was also thinking about other kids and whether she could make a difference.”
And Wilson concedes, she had a good argument.
“If you can give the same thing in a mist form, a little squirt up the nose, then why would you give a shot to children and inflict pain on them?” Wilson says. “It’s a perfectly logical question.”
Wilson says he always tries to answer personal letters. He especially wanted to answer this one.
Norah says she was not sure what to think when Wilson’s letter arrived.
“I didn’t think I would ever get a response, but as soon as I read it, I was pretty excited, just that what I had written mattered in a way,” Norah says.
Wilson says so often health departments quote statistics or issue dire warnings. It’s important to remember people are affected on a personal level.
Norah says somehow the letter made vaccines seem less scary. When she did get the shot she was not as nervous.
Norah says she has not written any other public officials. Not yet, at least.
Extra note: The CDC changed its recommendation this year and says a new flu mist is an option. But the flu shot is still recommended as the first choice.
After Pope Francis’ death, debates begin over his successor
In the weeks that follow the passing of a pontiff, the city of Rome, and the Vatican in particular, comes alive with discussions over which man is best suited to next lead the Church.
Looking for a new book this week? Here are 5 wide-ranging options
A true smorgasbord is on offer for readers this week. Care for an inspirational memoir? Reminders of the precarious position of civilization? Early summer read? They're all here.
Joan Didion leaves one more piece of writing to faithful fans
Didion's book is an intimate chronicle of the author's struggle to help her daughter, even if it meant digging into her own long-unexamined neuroses.
Senate Democrats press Hegseth for answers on Trump order to ban transgender troops
Lawmakers are asking the Defense Secretary to explain how the Pentagon is complying with court rulings blocking President Trump's executive order attempting to ban transgender troops from service.
Trump wants a Golden Dome over America. Here’s what it would take
Experts are divided whether a new missile defense system for the U.S., inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, would be worth the cost.
Public viewing for Pope Francis begins Wednesday ahead of Saturday funeral
Faithful from around the world are pouring into the Vatican, where Pope Francis' body will go on display Wednesday, ahead of a funeral Saturday.
