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Santa Clause wants a dose of Swine flu vaccine before Christmas. With the exposure to children and possible H1N1 flu symptoms, retail Santa helpers are lobbying for their spot near the front of the line for the flu vaccine. They also believe they deserve the shot first because of that "little round belly, that shakes...like a bowl full of jelly."

Kids Have Santa Worried About Swine Flu (Image: WENN)

It takes some serious pounds to be one of Santa's helpers around the shopping malls of America. With recent reports suggesting that the obese are not handling the flu well because of that underlying weight problem and the health issues that accompany it, the president of a national volunteer Santa group wants Santas to be given priority for the swine flu vaccine, according to a report from ABC News.


More flu updates...The Centers for Disease Control notes in an update that Human infections with 2009 H1N1 (Swine flu) are ongoing and spreading in the United States.

The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications. Medical officials note that most people who have become ill with this virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, but others require quick attention.

Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase and are very high nation-wide compared to what is expected for this time of year, the government website reports. Updated information here from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.