Because no news is too bad to use

[MESchlum]

As you may be aware, there is something of a flu vaccine scare going around in the US, due to insufficient quantities. The response to this has varied, some places (such as DC) seem to be really worried - fines of up to 1000$ can be levied for getting vaccine if you're not high risk (p. 15 in the 10/19 Express (www.washingtonpost.com/express).

So?

Well, the very same paper I used to find out about this bout of paranoia (or rationality, if one is to believe the article) has advertising (it's free, what did you expect). Given the level of worry about the flu, there is even an ad (p. 28) on this very topic, for those who want to be safe but aer not in life threatening danger.

Verbatim ad follows:

"Missed out on the flu shot?
Influenzinum is your solution!
* Made from the actual flu vaccine
* Used to prevent and treat flu symptoms
* FDA Registered
* Safe - no side effects
* Shipped to your door in 1-3 days"

And the coordinates to call. The phone number is fairly visible, the company logo is too, the name and details are the kicker (and in fairly small print - much smaller than the phone number, say):

Washington Homeopathic Products
www.homeopathyworks.com

What more do you need to know to be outraged?

And the website is a doozy too...

 

[Hellbound]

* Made from the actual flu vaccine

True, although none of that vaccine is left in it when they're done.

* Used to prevent and treat flu symptoms

Note the absence of key phrases such as "successfully" and "effectively". I might use mayonaisse to prevent and treat tiger attacks, but that doesn't mean it works.

* FDA Registered

As any ingestible must be. The same can be said of the eggs you eat in the morning.

* Safe - no side effects

Actually, excessive overdose can cause bloating and urination. Just like tap water. But basically true.

* Shipped to your door in 1-3 days"

FedEx.

While I find is despicable, they haven't actually violated any laws here. They are advertising within the letter of the law, and left the spirit of the law beaten, raped, and unconscious on the roadside about 15 miles back.

One thing I've learned about any advertisement is always read between the lines. What they say is only have as important as what they don't say. "FDA registered" doesn't mean much. "FDA approved to treat flu symptoms" would be an informative and meaningful statement.

Sadly, until laws change to subject "dietary supplements" to the same regulations as other drugs, and require proof of safety and efficiacy, we'll continue to have these types of ads.

 

[MESchlum]

And to judge from the commentaries, I'm not the only one who noticed... Just as well.

 

[Marian]

Re: Re: Because no news is too bad to use

Note the absence of key phrases such as "successfully" and "effectively". I might use mayonaisse to prevent and treat tiger attacks, but that doesn't mean it works.

But you haven't been attacked by any tigers lately have you?!

 

[shemp]

Re: Re: Re: Because no news is too bad to use

But you haven't been attacked by any tigers lately have you?!

No. I got a shot of tiger vaccine.