Laurie, this is why my doctor (a US Government physician who recently updated my shot record for a trip abroad) suggested I skip this type of vaccine. Just for those reasons and factoids you pointed out - and more.

Laurie, It is clear that you are passionate about this issue and have deep personal concerns about the use of H1N1 influenza vaccine. As a parent of a young child I too am concerned about the foods and medications that my family are exposed to. As someone who has "researched vaccines for more than 10 years" I am confident that you are familiar with the excellent evidence-based research available through medical journals and trusted public health sources - and not just anecdotal information and non-evidence-based "research" from pseudo science sources and anti-vaccination activists (such as Jenny McCarthy) and government conspiracy theorists. While the decision to get yourself, and those under your care and protection, vaccinated is indeed a personal decision made in consultation with your health care provider, protecting the public's health in the face of a global pandemic is not. It takes a true collaborative effort by public health, health care, government, the private sector, and individuals to respond appropriately and effectively to threats such as H1N1 influenza. For your benefit, as well as other readers, I urge you to review the concise information and guidance from US CDC on H1N1 influenza vaccine and its safety, including specific information related to Pregnant Women, Children, Thimerosal and GBS:

- General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

- 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

- 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

- General Questions and Answers on Thimerosal: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/thimerosal_qa.htm

- General Questions and Answers on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/gbs_qa.htm

I worked at CDC for years, and at the state, local level in public health preparedness since then. I can assure you that there is no conspiracy; that this vaccination campaign is driven by public health goals rather than profit; and that the extremely low risk of an adverse reaction to the vaccine is FAR better than the disease itself and its possible life-threatening complications.

Remember that the best ways to protect yourself from flu are:

• WASH your hands

• COVER your cough

• STAY HOME if you’re sick

• GET VACCINATED

Some points to help in providing balanced information to complement your piece (although this will not deter your anti-vaccine stance)

The current H1N1 vaccine uses the same development and manufacturing processes as the seasonal influenza vaccine. As such, the use of the FDA's emergency powers to approve a so-called new vaccine does not create as great of a risk as in developing something entirely new. Clinical trials were conducted and evaluated prior to approval of distribution of the vaccine.

All vaccines contain risks. The question is whether the risk of the vaccine balances the risk of disease, individually or as a population.

I would love to see back up data that shows more people died from the Swine Flu vaccine of 1976. There was a concern about Guillain-Barré syndrome which stopped the vaccination effort. The Swine Flu of 1976 was in anticipation of a pandemic that never materialized. H1N1 influenza has become a pandemic flu and is not the same flu. We live in an unprecedented age where we can all watch the emergence and spread of a new virus almost in real time which may have to challenge our approaches to decision-making and risk acceptance.

Fortunately, H1N1 is not extremely deadly but it has killed people with underlying health conditions. Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications and death from influenza, including both 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. For pregnant women this would not be characterized as a mild bout of flu.

Squalene is currently not being used as an adjuvant in the approved H1N1 vaccines.

If having the mercury containing preservative thimerosal in your vaccine is a concern, request a version without it.

Of the FDA approved H1N1 vaccines, CSL Limited brand does not contain thimerosal, Novartis prefilled syringe version has thimersol removed (yet the mulitdose vial contains it), Sanfi Pastuer prefilled syringes are also thimerosal free (yet the multi-dose vial contains it).

There currently is no mandate that school children receive a dose of vaccine. The goal is to offer it where the population is. Ask questions and get information based on fact not fear.

above 2 articles are great thank you.

Just a sidenote here, the above articles are showing me basic positions taken by those who who have associated with certain health entities. I'm no health entity guy and I know nothing about this. From what my doc told me, with my physical health (excellent) and my age (67), and my updated shot record and eating habits (I don't smoke - never did; and drink very lightly, and are vegetarian), there is no need to undertake this H1N1 vaccine in my case. My serological test reveals if I take this vaccine now in direct form (shot) it would interact somewhat with my other recent medications on a recent trip to the Middle East and not be warranted; as he just told me on the telephone a few minutes prior to my making this comment, I have enough protection given through an inclusion to the 'capacity inoculations' I received anyway, but not the same virus vaccine being publicized nationally.

Much like those shots we received before we went to Vietnam, there were a mix of several serums combined into one shot. By the way, I have not had the flu, in any form, (thank the Almighty for this) since 1987. I swear this is true!

Cre8: I relate to much of what you said. I have healthy habits as well....take no medications, except half a baby aspirin a day (just because that is a good thing to do) and do take an allergy medication once in a while...but not often. I do not think I feel comfortable with this vaccine. I have never had the flu either (well, once about 36 yrs ago and mild). Sometimes when something is not broke....don't fix it!! (so to speak...)

Earlier today , I read about the oldest living man in the U.S. (114 , I believe) He eats well (and not too much), the aspirin thing but nothing else. No medications otherwise! Remarkable....something to be learned there perhaps.

Also, one does not know what to think about this vaccine. Too much still unknown. This particular flu seems to strike the young in much greater nos.. What I wonder is: do most , or all, of them have underlying health issues and compromised immune systems to begin with? A dilemma maybe for parents of young children who catch so much at school anyway as they all mingle together. It is a tough one.....

leachim and PublicHealthPromoter: Thanks for the helpful information. Yes, caution, informing oneself, and not panicking.

Ha! Cher, my doc tole me to take one baby aspirin a day, too! My wife told me it is a fitting habit for me, after her reading your comment.

She feels I'm still a baby, as you may have already picked-up on. I read somewhere in the Bible or I really cannot remember the source; that, "God put everything on earth for the good of man...". Looks like the statement is correct, and at our house we are mostly holistic, except for the required doctor's medications I have to have by updating government shots, etc, on a regular basis. The doc also feels I should ease on any OTC meds and prescribed meds, going natural as possible. No, my doc is not an Osteopath, or anything like that, but he does believe in naturality in medicine and health habits.

In your third paragraph you hit the nail on the head when you said that underlying or unknown health issues and compromised immune systems could be of more danger to the person with these conditions who will assume this H1N1 (buy 1 take 1) shot. This is what my doc cautioned his other patients.

I'd worry if it is Polio or AIDS or TB scare, but not a flu concern.

Yes, Cre8: I'm with you on the medications in general (and that 114 old man in Montana must be onto something!). I realize that sometimes medications are necessary (for diabetes, thyroid and other diseases) but if one is basically healthy , I believe in going "as natural" as possible. Good food (I rarely eat red meat; just every one in a while) but do like all fish and seafood! (I know that is not on your family's menu!!!) Exercise,etc etc. Don't smoke!! All of this helps to cut down on healthcare costs as well (isn't that one of our goals??!) Anyway.....I agree with what you said. So, let us continue to hope and work for good health!

This is in response to Public Health Promoter and leachim. Laurie gave links to websites, including the cdc and fda. Please read them ... you would see that:

• clinical trials have been conducted, but the trials have included vaccines WITHOUT ADJUVENTS, The adjuvents (squalene COULD be one of them) will be added for the mass vaccinations. This is what happened with the Swine Flu trials. It is probably not the best scientific approach. See clinicaltrials.gov.

• There is plenty of data available that shows the problems associated with the Swine Flu of 1976, including Guillain-Barre syndrome (see Laurie's links above for a start)

• You are correct that here will be thimerosal in the multi-dose vaccines. People simply need to know of this possibility so they can get more info and make informed decisions about which, if any, vaccine they may want to get.

• Luckily, there currently is no mandate that requires schoolchildren to receive the vaccine (altho Massachusetts is getting close!). But all the questions Laurie proposed are important questions to ask yourself, your health care provider, your school.

To many people, the risks of taking the vaccinations are greater than getting the "disease." H1N1 has so far been very mild... not the horrible pandemic the media is portraying. As leachim said, "Ask questions and get information based on fact not fear." Check ALL the data to make truly informed decisions. If you eat healthy food, exercise, use proper sanitation and arm yourself with information, you will be just fine. Take responsibility for yourself. Take it upon yourself to gather as much information as you can so you make the right decision for YOU.

I have previously researched the info from all the links posted by Laurie and PHP and read them again. Using the same info, one can come up with different conclusions. Just so you all know, there is NO WAY I, or anyone in my family will get be getting the H1N1 vaccines. If you must get a vaccine, tho, there is very helpful information out there that can help minimize reactions. Please look into it.

Yep, and you are the same people who don't keep your kids home when they are sick and the entire school ends up with whatever they have. Obviously none of you work in a small classroom filled with children where the spread of germs is impossible. I don't think any of you are actual professionals in the scientific or medical research communities so I highly doubt that you can validly interpret the information, whether you have "researched vaccines for 10 years or not".

Souix72, I did note Laurie's links and actually used them.

However, referencing links did not make her article balanced on the concerns versus the facts. Since the call was for balanced information, I expect that the concerns be included with the facts. Thus my comment. There is no guarantee that adjuvants will be added. The discussions I have read say it is a tool that could be used but will not be used in the current stock of H1N1 vaccines.

Again, I respect the information but it must be balanced with the information on what is really going to happen so people can make informed decisions. I have no problem with your decision and hope the best in health for you and your family.

Cre8RoyalPalm: I am not associated with a health entity. Based on your age, you are at low risk for H1N1 based on current illness data. The belief is your age group may have been exposed (by virus or by vaccine) to a similar type of flu and have some built in immunity.

Your decision fits well with the fact you probably won't be able to get an H1N1 vaccine (if you actually wanted one) prior to next spring. You are not in the high risk group (where people are being hospitalized or dying from H1N1). If you are healthy and have no underlying health conditions, the advice you are getting is sound based on what is known about this new flu virus.

Dear opinionated,

On the contrary, I DO keep my children home if they are sick. However, they are not the ones who get sick so they have not missed many school days in all their years in the public school systems. They eat very well, get lots of fresh air and sunshine, exercise daily. And yes, I have worked in small classrooms where the germs are spread very quickly. But with good hygiene, good food, being informed and vigilant, my kids and many others in the classroom do not get sick. That has seemed to work very well over the years.

Not everyone in the general public can be professionals in the scientific or medical research fields. However, it is up to every individual to be as informed as possible and take responsibility for our own health. Look at as much information as you can... all sides. Sometimes you can be surprised by what you find out.... then find the balance. Only you can do what is best for your family.

Questions: How do you know when your immune system is "boosted?" What does it mean to "boost" your immune system? What evidence to you have that "boosting your immune system" through diet is protective against a novel infectious disease that your body likely has no previous immunity to?

I repeat, t the best ways to protect yourself from flu (seasonal and H1N1) are:

• WASH your hands

• COVER your cough

• STAY HOME if you’re sick

• GET VACCINATED

Q. What about the risks of not getting vaccinated against H1N1?

A. What we know is that novel H1N1 has spread throughout most of the world and poses a risk to those without immunity. All people under age 25 years old are being more severely affected by novel H1N1 disease than older populations. Children younger than 5 years old or with certain chronic medical conditions are at even higher risk for complications from both seasonal (“regular”) and novel H1N1 influenza. It appears that neurodevelopmental conditions such as developmental delay and cerebral palsy, as well as pulmonary conditions such as asthma are among the chronic medical conditions that put some children at risk for severe complications from H1N1. Studies indicate that one-third of pregnant women with novel H1N1 influenza virus (“swine flu”) are so ill, mostly with severe respiratory distress, that they require hospitalization (Lancet, 7/29/09). Some deaths of otherwise healthy children and pregnant women are being reported.

Q. What are the risks of vaccines?

A. Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components, even death

Damage your brain (http://whale.to/b/blaylock.html)

Disorders associated with mercury poisoning include: Autism, Attention deficit disorder, Multiple sclerosis, Speech and language deficiencies and

more common neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia and ALS) (www.russellblaylockmd.com)

Rheumatoid Arthritis:A 2000 study published in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrated a single injection of the adjuvant squalene into rats

triggered “chronic, immune-mediated joint-specific inflammation,” also known as rheumatoid arthritis.(The American Journal of Pathology, The

Endogenous Adjuvant Squalene Can Induce a Chronic T-Cell-Mediated Arthritis in Rats, 2000) The researchers concluded the study raised

questions about the role of adjuvants in chronic inflammatory diseases.

and many more.....

Here is a link to some basic Flu vaccine information to think about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCBlxqmOMKM&feature=player_embedded

From www.nvic.org:

"Old fashioned, common sense approaches to protecting yourself from a bad case of the flu and helping the healing process if you do get sick include:

1. Wash your hands frequently.

2. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

3. If you are sick, avoid close contact with those who are well.

4. Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.

5. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

6. Get adequate sleep.

7. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially foods containing vitamin C (such as citrus fruits) and vitamin D and spend a few minutes a day in sunlight to help your body make and store vitamin D.

8. Exercise regularly when you are well.

9. Lower stress.

10. Consider including holistic alternatives in your wellness or healing plan, such as chiropractic adjustments, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies, acupuncture and other holistic health care options."

Thank you Laurie Wolfrum for the informed article.

Unfortunately, due to downright horrific and sometimes fatal results from vaccines and medications that have been "approved by the FDA", the fact that our government doesn't always do the right thing... has been proven time and time again in this country. When we have children who have been given vaccines that are highly suspect of causing Autism and other disorders, it is our duty as parents to take note of the bright red flags that have been raised, we'd be very lax as parents to not respond at all, wouldn't we? There have been central nervous system and kidney disorders documented from the contents in vaccines as well as lack of motor coordination also being a common symptom.

People NEED to know... and have a right to know... about the ingredients and side affects of the ingredients in the vaccines we have been given and are currently being given. That IS part of informed decision making.

There may not be a conspiracy against people getting toxic vaccines by our government, but certainly our government does not act upon matters until "we the people" force our government to look at the true facts.

I cannot express the betrayal that people feel because we have time and time again, been misled into believing that we are being given "safe" products of every kind, only to find out later, that they were not safe at all.

I shall use the incident of how our government used nuclear testing on it's military people as an example of how we are used as "human guinea pigs"?

http://www.angelfire.com/sk/syukhtun/pacificbombs.html

http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/ethics/issues/scientific/human-nuclear-experiments.htm

Gulf War Syndrome... another situation where people became ill and our government emphatically denied that it had anything to do with the war. People have been made to believe they're "crazy", when they actually have VERY legitimate health issues.

I could go on and on with many more examples of betrayal, but those of you who read, know exactly what I'm talking about.

I am very curious as to why our government is now offering an H1N1 vaccine without thiomersal...

1. What has replaced thiomersal in this version of the vaccine?

2. Why haven't all vaccines been made without the thiomersal?

3. Have there been any efforts put forth come up with different ingredients and if so, what have those results been?

An informed analysis of relative risk of vaccinate/don't vaccinate for SUSEPTIBLE populations is the most relevant. Neither list of risks is absolute (not everyone will die of H1N1; not every child will get the advwerse effects listed from vaccines; FAR FROM IT). Only a very small minority of those vaccinated have adverse effects and some of those may not be due to the vaccine "package". Comparisons to "Swine Flu" of the 70s are not relevant (excpet for the possibility of adverse effects of formulations no longer used) becasue that flu type was not H1N1. The type that was H1N1 was the "Spanish" flu of 1981-19 which was VERY deadly (50 million world wide, a high proportion among younger populations). Admitedly, H1N1 2009 does not seem to be that deadly, but the fatalities are mounting.

Thimerosal in the dose encountered in vaccines has not been established to cause the effects listed, esp. autism. (I also have my doubts about the alleged effects of squlaene since it has been admistered in much larger doses in the past). Note that adjuvants are not used in all doses of the vaccine.

Cre8: you and I are not as much at risk for H1N1 but that doesn't mean that younger perople, children, teachers, and health professionals are not at increased risk. Remember that we seniors are more suseptible to pneumonia and other complications from any respiratory conditions and diseases.

PublicHealthPromoter, Leachim: excellent comments and information. Please consider writing commentaries for BDN.

Laurie Wolfrum, Sioux72, Amazed, and others concerned: please ask for information on the vaccines being offered and THEN form your decision. Regardless of your decision, take the other necessary precautions neededs for good public health. If anyone in your family does get the flu of any kind, determine what it is, watch the patient carefully for any adverse effects, AND GET MEDICAL HELP PROMPTLY.

Cut the "Betrayal", "Conspiricy", and other such myths (bordering on hysteria); it's counterproductive.

This is a letter to the editor by Dr Cheryl Liechty, MD, MPH, a local infectious disease physician and mother of two young children, running opposite Ms. Wolfrum's similar non-evidence-based opinion piece in the Knox County Villiage Soup (available at: http://knox.villagesoup.com/opinion/story.cfm?storyID=176410 [scroll down]):

Support vaccination program

This year, we are looking at the prospect of essentially two flu seasons in one -- with the burden of both seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu). Maine public health authorities are acting to limit the spread of influenza via a range of strategies, including sponsorship of a school-based vaccination program.

Pen Bay Healthcare, Penobscot Bay Medical Center and I support this important initiative. In the average flu season, more than 35,000 American deaths are attributable to flu, with an estimated 200,000 flu-related hospitalizations. In addition to older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women are at particularly increased risk for severe complications of flu.

Although influenza deaths in children are rare, they occur every year. Flu is also responsible for many lost days at school for children, and lost days of work for their caregivers. As every parent knows, a sick child often means illness for the rest of the family is not far behind. Covering coughs and diligent hand washing can help prevent the spread of flu.

Although H1N1 has not yet been found to cause more serious illness than other flu strains, it is having a major impact among children and younger adults. So far, more than 60 percent of Maine H1N1 cases have been in individuals younger than 25 years old.

Vaccination is the most powerful tool available to prevent influenza. The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual seasonal influenza vaccination for adults older than 50 years, pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than six months, other adults with certain chronic medical conditions, health care workers, and new this year, all children age 6 months to 18 years.

H1N1 vaccination is currently recommended for all individuals age 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months, health care workers, and adults age 25 to 64 with certain chronic medical conditions.

Over the next several weeks, school districts throughout Maine will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations. H1N1 vaccinations will be offered to Maine students in October or November, once it is available.

We anticipate that younger children will be vaccinated in physicians' offices or at other community based sites. Older children attending private school or who are home-schooled may be vaccinated either at those same venues or potentially through the public school-sponsored clinics.

Staff at Pen Bay Healthcare are working with area schools on logistics, vaccine storage, educational materials and staffing for vaccination clinics. We hope that parents will embrace the opportunity to protect students and the greater community by choosing to immunize their children against both seasonal flu and H1N1.

As this flu season progresses, I recommend checking the following resources for the most up-to-date information: flu.gov and maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/. Also, pbmc.org/flu will provide you links to those sites and additional local information.

As an infectious disease physician and as a mother of 1-year-old and 4-year-old sons, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of prevention via vaccination. Both of my children are being vaccinated for seasonal flu this month and will receive H1N1 vaccines later this fall. As a health care professional, I am vaccinated against seasonal flu every year and anticipate H1N1 vaccination as well this year.

Cheryl Liechty, MD, MPH

Rockport

EVERY DRUG THAT HAS EVER BEEN RECALLED, WAS ONCE PROVEN TO BE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE BY THE FDA.

PublicHealthPromoter 9/29/09 8:44 PM~ Although I respect you for MD status, I beg to differ with your opinions and would venture to guess that the information you have been given by your employer, comes partly from pharmaceutical companies who visit your hospital/office to tout their product, without giving you the opposing risks or even giving you packets to test individuals for side affects, prior to a vaccine being given, in order to prevent irreversible damage or even death in certain individuals.

Info by Centers for Disease Control are often times biased. Please research other unbiased means for your information.

Hello all. I happen to be in the middle of this debate. I all I can do is speak honestly about how I feel for my knowledge only comes from the web. I happen to be 5 months pregnant with a 3 year old son. I can not say I have always been healthy and made healthy choices. I know I strive to make healthy changes however. In fact I know many in the same boat who tend to eat candy, red meat, have stress during their long work weeks, and dont work out as much as they should. What do those who claim good health for their reasons not to take vaccine say to those who don't have such good health?Many of the population are not that healthy either. I'm not suggesting everyone run and take the vaccine. Nor am I saying you should not take it. Go with what you feel is best for your situation. I think my son and I will be fine without it but I still haven't made my final decision. I dont not knock anyone for taking it. There are thousands right now who are taking the vaccine without this information. Have they become worse and at what percentage? What is the exact number of fatal cases compared between taking the vaccine an not taking the vaccine? Where are those facts and not links posted on this page?