Availability is the real epidemic

In regards to the H1N1 vaccination [“Thousands turn out for swine-flu vaccine,” NWSunday, Nov. 1], nevermind how much I may want to get inoculated, how much doctors and scientists insist I should, or how safe it is. Nevermind national emergency.

If it’s not available, all the want and justification in the world isn’t going to make it happen. Not for those in the risk categories. Not for those who aren’t in the risk categories.

That’s what is most likely to be remembered not only about H1N1, but about our ability to deal with medical emergencies in this country.

In the midst of that reality, insurance companies are trivial and irrelevant to the discussion or consideration of health care.

Are they listening in the other Washington — Washington, D.C.?

— Mike Moore, Kent

Conflicting headlines: Whom should we believe?

I was amused by the editorial “A call for calm on the swine-flu front” [Opinion, Oct. 31], in light of yet another blaring front-page headline on the same day, “Swine-flu vaccine: Shortage is severe.”

I can’t decide whether The Times’ editorial writers don’t read the rest of the paper, or the editors fan the flames to sell papers.

— Mary Jo Martin, Seattle