It's amazing to observe from afar the controversy (impassioned letters to WaPo, a series of articles on Slate) surrounding the shortage of flu vaccines in the US. There has been no such shortage here, probably because many Russians believe getting the shot will do you more harm than good. I got vaccinated today at work, as did every one of my American co-workers who was in the office (5 out of 5, including one spouse who came in specifically to get the shot), but not many of our Russian colleagues were interested in joining us (6 out of about 35). That tells you something, although I'm not sure exactly what. Take your pick: a) we're more enlightened about the benefits of modern medicine and believe we can take control of our health and prevent certain illnesses, rather than being fatalistic; b) we are gullible and will believe whatever the medical services industry tells us to believe; c) we just wanted the chance to crow to our friends at home, FINALLY, about being able to get in Russia something that is desirable but not available in the States.
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