Sebelius: Never Mind Biden; It's OK to Travel

Concern high and building, but 60+% don't plan to get a shot

(NEWSER) - Americans are spooked by the growing threat of swine flu but even warier of the vaccine. Half of respondents in a recent Washington Post poll are a “great deal” or “somewhat” worried they or a family member will catch H1N1, up from 39% in August. But more than 60% say they won't get a shot, and just 52% of parents plan to inoculate their kids, even though children are particularly vulnerable to the virus. More»

(NEWSER) - NBC's Chuck Todd got a lesson in how to sneeze properly today when he let one fly during a briefing with health secretary Kathleen Sebelius. After Todd sneezed, Sebelius stopped the press conference to razz him about not sneezing into his sleeve, reports MediaBistro. "What's up with that? she asked. "We'll have Elmo give Chuck a special briefing," she said. Tood took it in good spirit, tweeting afterward that his sneeze is now a public service announcement. More»

Feds, Sesame Street produce spots on hygiene

(NEWSER) - The fuzzy residents of Sesame Street are teaming up with the federal government to school kids on the dangers of swine flu and how to prevent it, the Washington Post reports. Elmo and human pal Gordon have taped PSAs that instruct children to be sure to wash their hands and sneeze into their arms during flu season. Health officials are bracing for a big jump in cases with school back in session. More»

Calls for 'vigilance,' not 'panic'

(NEWSER) - President Obama called for “rigorous” planning by state and local officials in anticipation of a possible swine flu outbreak this fall, CNN reports. “We want to make sure we aren't promoting panic, but we are promoting vigilance and preparation,” Obama—on a video link from the G8 summit in Italy—told governors and health workers attending a summit on the disease. He urged officials to be ready for a vaccination campaign and highlighted the potential threat to schools. More»

The veep has his uses, but staying on message ain't one

(NEWSER) - This week perfectly illustrates the yin and yang of Joe Biden, write Sam Youngman and Ian Swanson of the Hill. First, he scores a political coup by helping to convince pal Arlen Specter to defect. Then he promptly inserts foot in mouth with his advice on how to avoid the swine flu. The latter is "yet another reminder of the vice president’s glaring weakness: his mouth." More»