Most fans would probably think that a homeland security emergency at a NASCAR race would take the form of a terror attack. But after hearing all the noise in Washington the last couple of days, they’d be wrong.
The argument began when congressional aides were advised to get real-life immunizations against several communicable diseases — including hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus and influenza — before traveling to look at preparations being made by local first responders for hypothetical scenarios at the tracks in Talladega, Ala., and Concord, N.C. FoxNews
“NASCAR fans might seem rabid, but are they actually contagious? ” is the irresistible lede on this story, in which it’s revealed that for the House Homeland Security Committee were advised to get hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria and influenza shots before attending two stock car races this month.
Those are the kinds of shots people might get before going to central Africa, not North Carolina. Recognizing low-hanging fruit when he sees it, Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N. C., quickly responded.
“I have been to numerous NASCAR races, and the folks who attend these events certainly do not pose any health hazard to congressional staffers or anyone else, ” Hayes wrote in a letter to the Homeland Security panel. USAToday
To suggest that vaccines are needed to attend NASCAR races is insulting to millions of hardworking Americans who love their country and the smell of burnt rubber, ” he said.
The brouhaha began when the House Committee on Homeland Security decided to study public health preparedness at mass gatherings. They advised aides to get immunized for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and influenza before going to the UAW-Ford 500 in Talladega last weekend and the Bank of America 500 this weekend northeast of Charlotte, N.C.
The committee is examining whether the U. S. Department of Homeland Security is coordinating with state, local and private law-enforcement and health care responders to prepare for possible mass emergencies. LISA ZAGAROLI, ajc.com
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