Let me begin by saying that I believe that vaccinations to various diseases has been one of the greatest inventions that medical science produced in the 20th century. Sure, some will say "but we're now in the 21st century" and surely, this is true, however, just because something is old does not mean it is bad. You do use fire, after all, don't you?

Back on point, we all acknowledge that there was an issue with the Swine Flu vaccine that was produced in the 70's. There have been thirty years of successful seasonal flu vaccination since then, so I think it is safe to say that the issues have been resolved.

Here in New York State, however, there has been a big flap over a mandate from the health department that all medical and school workers must be vaccinated, or else lose their jobs. The various unions have gone to bat for the workers and secured a temporary restraining order until some time next month, however the outstanding question remains.

That question is this: Should we be demanding that our health care workers be vaccinated?

I say the answer is yes. It appears that it may be beyond the scope of the state health department to do this. Since the medical industry is, however, so proud of the open market they now operate in, such that they make extrordinary efforts to cripple any hopes of true universal health care, I say it is time to turn the tables. We, the consumers of their services, need to start acting like consumers.

How do we do this? Demand that your doctor produce evidence of his or her own vaccination, along with that of his staff. Sure, there will be reluctance, probably predicated on a case of personal privacy, but remember, you are the consumer. As such, you have the right to take your money someplace else. If enough people do this, then maybe it can be evidenced that the open market works two ways.