Last I checked (about 4 months ago) the swine flu had similar mortality rates as seasonal flu. The difference is in how contagious the swine flu is. WHO guidelines deal with how readily a bug spreads, not how deadly it is. So, the WHO is calling it a pandemic of the highest order, and people think it's the next black plague. Media outlets are broadcasting that there's a pandemic, exacerbating the panic. The WHO has justified its stance by asserting that the virus will mutate as it spreads becoming drug resistant along the way. The prediction is that once the virus is drug resistant it will mutate into something deadly, and there will be no way to fight it. Governmental agencies have picked up WHO's recommendations about vaccinations in order to stop this process.
To help with the panic, swine flu probably isn't going to kill you. If you get it, chances are you'll be sick for a few days. Use your head to not get sick. Wash hands, sleep, eat well, etc.
Right now getting the swine flu is more likely than seasonal flu, but just as not-so-deadly. You can get a vaccine for that reason, or not.
Based on WHO predictions: In the future, the swine flu will be more likely than seasonal flu, and potentially more deadly. And there will be no way to fight it. You can get a vaccine for that reason, or not.
About people 65+ calling the health department: Traditionally people 65+ have been in the first wave of vaccinations. They are also more likely to have a pre-existing medical condition that has gotten them qualified for preventative medicine in the past, but isn't doing the same now. It is odd to go from the front of the line to the back. Maybe even a bit anxiety producing when then line is for health care.
