How safe is safe? And safe for whom? While many are saying it is safe; there are other reports that indicate that as many as 30,000 people could be expected by the CDC to experience severe side effects from the H1N1 virus vaccine. The FDA is providing a phone number for severe side effects and how to get compensation for any such effects just in case. See below.
A report saying they do not expect the same number of people in 2009 to be affected by GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) as in 1976; two other studies did demonstrate a small risk of approximately 1 additional case of GBS per 1 million persons vaccinated.
CDC H1N1 Flu | 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women: Information for Healthcare Providers
Dr. Anthony Fauci stated this morning on CBS?s Early Show that with millions of people vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine, it has proved safe; however, one statement made by him leaves one wondering. ?What is the end of the story?? He pointed to a study of pregnant woman that more than 90 percent of the patients who got the vaccine mounted "a response that you would have predicted?" One would ask, what are those predictions? (See article below regarding additional findings and warnings.)
You will find known side effects and what to do in case of severe reactions; even a phone number where you may be compensated if you are adversely affected. Remember that the makers of this vaccine; the government and the provider are protected by law and given immunity from prosecution in case of extreme adverse results.
Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that people should not worry about getting the vaccine because they have deemed it safe and effective. (See below) He also indicted that a single dose of the H1N1 produces a standard response in providing immunity. However, this was from the clinical trial which involved far fewer individuals receiving the immunization; and did not mention any possible long term effects. He said there was strong data indicating the vaccination will protect you; but was a little shy of explaining any adverse side effects experienced from those taking the shot. He said this was not a new vaccine as it was produced in the same way as others in the past.
CDC: What you should know about H1N1
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis...inact-h1n1.pdf
Many are complaining about the vaccine shortages in light of terrorist prisoners in Cuba receiving the vaccine when it is not available to children in nursery school and regular schools. The argument being it was to protect those in charge of the prison ? a host on Fox News indicated she had an appointment for her children to receive the vaccine; and was told there were none available at that time; but the prisoners at Gitmo would get theirs. She said, ?Well, let them give the vaccine to the guards, and let the prisoners wait like the children have to.?
While they tell you to report any adverse problems with the vaccine, will it be like in the case with all those whose daughters took the Gardasil shot to prevent cervical cancer and either died or were injured permanently; but the reports did not result in this drug being taken off the market. It seems a certain amount of adverse reactions are acceptable to them. And there are still those who wish to see it mandatory for girls as young as 9 years old like the mumps and measles shots. Gardasil is manufactured by Merck who is just coming off a massive liability paying out huge sums of money with regard to their pulled drug, Vioxx.
Schools continue to close because of the outbreak of flu ? last week it was reported that some 600 schools were closed for periods of time due to the flu. With all the teachers and principals have on their plates already, now they are responsible to help prevent the spread among their students; by making sure sick kids go home and stay there until they are no longer contagious.
The CDC reported that 19 children died last week from the flu bringing the total of deaths to children up to 114. Some of these children had underlying health problems. Many parents are very concerned about the vaccine ? from either perspective. This flu seems to attack the lungs and anyone who is already compromised with lung problems is likely to have complications. Many parents are between a rock and a hard place in deciding if their children, who are healthy, should continue going to school if there is an outbreak at the school; since so many have not received the immunization. About 600 schools have shut their doors already for a period of time during this flu season due to an outbreak of the H1N1 virus.
?With the trend expected to continue, school closings will almost certainly exceed last spring's total of 700 - despite federal officials recommending at the beginning of the school year that schools stay open and not disrupt normal activities for the pandemic.?
While the TV docs say there are mild reactions to the flu vaccine, they stop short of saying what they are. They merely say the reactions are similar to the seasonal flu shot. Below are comments from a report which indicates the concerns of those not wishing to take the vaccine and some responses from the medical community.
This is a report from London Associated Press
?Hundreds of people on any given day will die, develop the paralyzing Guillain-Barre syndrome or have spontaneous abortions, and that doesn't necessarily mean that their swine flu vaccination shot was to blame, a new study says.
They found that in Britain, for every 10 million people who might get the swine flu shot, about 22 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome and 6 unexplained deaths will likely occur within 6 weeks of vaccination - and probably won't be caused by the vaccine.
In the U.S., experts expect that for every 1 million pregnant women who get the swine flu shot, 397 will have a spontaneous abortion within a day.?
Only if the rates of these events exceed these baseline numbers should experts suspect the vaccine might be responsible."
So what is an expecting mother to do? Many are looking for the single dose hypodermic which does not contain any preservative which seems to be what causes any adverse side effects. However, now there are shortages of both; but even more so these vaccines.
London AP report: ?People die every day for lots of reasons, but we tend not to think about that when a mass immunization campaign is happening," said Steven Black of Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Ohio, one of the paper's authors. "We're not saying we don't need to look at vaccine safety, but let's do it judiciously. Black, like several of the study's authors, received grants from companies that make swine flu vaccine.
Mass immunization campaigns for diseases like measles and yellow fever have frequently been undermined by rumors that the vaccines cause dangerous side effects. Still, rumors may also mask legitimate vaccine concerns. In Nigeria, fears that the oral polio vaccine causes HIV were unfounded but concern about the vaccine was not entirely unwarranted: it does cause polio in rare instances.
The greatest danger ahead is that there will be coincidental events between (swine flu) vaccination and adverse health events and people will draw conclusions that are not based on science," said Leonard Marcus of Harvard University's School of Public Health, an expert not linked to the study. (However, if someone dies from this vaccine; how do they base that on science? And what difference does it make to the survivors?)
Report continues: ?Marcus said health officials must be vigilant in case any unforeseen side effects do pop up. When side effects happen to an individual, it's devastating. And it's human nature to want to link it to a recent vaccination," Marcus said. "But it's also possible to be compassionate without leaping to conclusions. Of the thousands of people so far who have received the swine flu vaccine worldwide, no side effects more serious than a sore arm, fever, or muscle pain have been reported.?
However this information is from the CDC regarding side effects from this vaccine ? it seems there is a double message being put forth.
Are there any side effects to the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine?
?CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is given.?
?After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report yourself through the VAERS Web site at
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. You may call 1-800-822-7967 to receive a copy of the VAERS form. VAERS is not able to provide medical advice.?
A complete list of possible side effects from both the flu shot and the nasal spray (LAIV or Flu Mist) vaccines are below:
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
Fever (low grade)
Aches
Nausea
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. A federal program has been created to help pay for the medical care and other specific expenses of certain persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more information about this program, call 1-888-275-4772 or visit the program?s website at:
http://www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm
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Go to this site and see the estimated number of people who could be adversely affected by this vaccine. Based on a percentage rate, it is estimated that if 300,000,000 people are vaccinated there could result in 300,000 dying or becoming maimed according to this report.
CDC States H1N1 Vaccine May Maim and Kill 30,000 Americans, FDA Requires Minimal Efficacy
CDC States H1N1 Vaccine May Maim and Kill 30,000 Americans, FDA Requires Minimal Efficacy
This site indicates that the CDC expects as many as 30,000 people to suffer unfavorable side effects from the H1N1.
Woman to Woman: It is the intent of this writer to merely give information available and in no way is indicating that one should or should not get this vaccine. This has to be a matter for each individual to decide; knowing that with or without the vaccine, there are risks. One major complication from this vaccine has already occurred ? the public not knowing who to believe when we are only given half the truths and information. What the government deems acceptable collateral damages to individuals ? that don?t cut it when it is you or your loved one who is the collateral damage, huh? It is of little concern what the allowed percentages are versus the outcome if our own folks fall within that percentage.
Many times we just have to bite the bullet and make a decision; but it is better to make it with as much education and knowledge as possible.
?In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, (God) and He will direct thy paths.? God expects us to use the brain He gave us. He expects us to be informed ? for knowledge is power ? and many will take this vaccine with possible side effects; and many will choose not to take it with possibly of dire consequences. It could be a heads or tails either way. But still on that coin is the phrase, ?In God we trust.? While this vaccine was manufactured for the masses ? God did not create any two people just alike. This is a situation that should be bathed in prayer and then the decision made with good conscience that one is doing the right thing ? either way. This is one of those times when we must decide for ourselves.
Sources CBS News and London Associated Press News
