US Santas demand priority swine flu vaccine

(Kiselev Andrey Valerevich)

US Santas want swine flu vaccine so that sneezing children don't give them an unwelcome present this Christmas.

Ernest Berger, head of "Santa America," told NPR radio that the organization's 200 volunteer Father Christmases want to be given the same priority as school teachers and health care workers for getting the H1N1 vaccine.

The website of "Santa America," which visits sick and traumatized children in the Christmas season, instructs the men in red to take no chances.

"As wonderful as it is, be cautious of children burying their faces in your beard for a hug. If this happens, use sanitizer in your beard," the website advises.

"Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not touch children's faces. If you do, immediately sanitize your hands," the site urges.

"Santa should be taking needed vitamins and other doctor approved boosters to keep his immune system at peak performance."