WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Santa's wish list includes H1N1 vaccine
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By Melanie Ruberti - bio | email
SAVANNAH (WTOC) - Groups that represent seasonal Santas and their helpers all over the country want something other than cookies and milk in Santa's stocking this year. They're hoping for a H1N1 vaccine for their Santas this holiday season.
Every where you look, Christmas decorations are popping up in area malls.
And children like Amber McHargue's 3-year-old triplets, can't wait for the man in red to make his appearance.
"They love Christmas and Santa Claus. We already have our decorations up because they're so excited," she laughed.
But before Santas hit the malls nationwide, the group Santa America says they want to make sure their Santas have been vaccinated against H1N1, mainly because they see children on a daily basis, are older and overweight.
And bumping Santa onto the H1N1 vaccine list means more children like 2-year-old Liam Brown get to sit on his lap and not get sick.
"I think it's a great idea," said Liam's mom Jolene Brown. "That way I know he's not going to get it from the last child that sat on Santa's lap. So actually it's a really smart idea."
But some moms believe Santa's at risk holiday season, not just this year.
"I think his chair, kids drooling on it and stuff, is just as dangerous for other kids," said Amber Barrow. "I think it's blown all out of proportion to some extent."
"You can get sick just walking out your front door," said McHargue.
And many mom's agree H1N1 isn't going to stop them from taking their child to see Santa when he comes to town, whether he's had his vaccine or not.
"I think she'll be fine," said Sharon Brown. "If Santa Claus is sick, I don't think he'll be there that day."
According to Dr. Diane Weems with the Chatham County Health Department, Santa Claus does fall into a target group for H1N1.
He is considered a caregiver, having contact with many children, some under the age of six months.
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