Not a question - just a comment: Thank you for helping to enlighten the masses. Education will help to not spread rumors that incite panic.

Kudos to BDN and EMMC. Kudos also go to Dr. Dancoes of St. Joe's who has been on the airwaves trying to reassure the public about H1N1.

From the article:

If you do become sick, stay home and avoid spreading the virus to other people.

/end source

If people would simply follow that simple step it would be nice. Nobody cares about your perfect attendance other than you.

Kevin_of_Bangor: As someone who has to cover for sick people, I couldn't agree more. I certainly would much rather go in and cover one or two days for one person than to have to work 7 days in a row covering for 3 because that one decided to infect the others due to pride.

Fyi, the blistering and rashes, itching, thats from the thimerosal(mercury) also may experience sore joints, glad the BDN did this article but you can only take it for a grain of salt, my sister in law is a nurse at emmc she had the shot had same symptoms, others may not notice anything from reports on injection site, also the information given to them is the same info that we can get on our own. They only can go by the information passed down to them which is very limited due to the fact there wasn't adequate testing on the vaccine for side effects, but finally they got a little info out there for people that are worried about it

Donna Dunton, RN, CIC~ I respect you and your credentials, and in now way am disrespecting you by asking these questions.

1. Where you get your information concerning the safety of this vaccine?

2. Who are the people that have tested this vaccine (ie: adults, teens, pre-teens and babies), and when did the testing take place?

3. Did these individuals and their families know they were being tested?

4. Are you aware of the ingredients in each vaccine?

5. Are you aware of the side effects of these ingredients?

6. Pregnant mothers have never been a part of the testing, why is the CDC now asking that pregnant mothers be vaccinated?

7. Where did the H1N1 2009 flu originate from, and why is it suddenly an issue?

8. If the CDC stopped testing in July, how do they know for certain that the widespread flu going around now, is actually H1N1 2009?

9. Why are those with serious underlying medical conditions not being vaccinated first?

10. Why are healthy children being put at the top of the list for vaccination, ahead of those who have underlying medical condition?

1. Can you please give us the exact ingredients in each vaccine, from each pharmaceutical company, that U.S. citizens will be receiving?

2. With absolute certainty, will the U.S. be receiving any flu vaccines from Canada or other countries with either Thimerosal or Squalene in them?

3. What are the side effects of those who have received side effects and can we please have the statistics?

I would like to know if there is some resource in the Bangor area weather it be a website or phone number where I can find out has has vaccine available?

Try these:

http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/flushot/flushot.xml

http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/maine.html

interesting article, one of the us made vaccines by Sanofi Pasteur inc, states that the CDC recommends all pregant women get vaccinated immediately, however the vaccine maker does not recommend it??????????????????? So follow your fellow CDC recommendations

http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/sanofi_pasteur_inc_h1n1_vaccine_ingredients

Also alot of posters have stated that the thimerosal is only in multi-dose vaccine, Novartis the other maker has it listed in their single dose vaccine,

The 1976 swine influenza vaccine was associated with an increased frequency of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Evidence for a causal relation of GBS with subsequent vaccines prepared from other influenza viruses is unclear. If influenza vaccine does pose a risk, it is probably slightly more than one additional case per 1 million persons vaccinated.

Neurological disorders temporally associated with influenza vaccination, such as encephalopathy, optic neuritis/neuropathy, partial facial paralysis, and brachial plexus neuropathy, have been reported.

Microscopic polyangiitis (vasculitis) has been reported temporally associated with influenza vaccination.

7 DRUG

THIS information is part of another vaccine maker CSL in the U.S. vaccine this information can be found under U.S. approved vaccine and found in the PACKAGE INSERT

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or AFLURIA. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

http://preventdisease.com/news/09/092109_H1N1_package_inserts_warnings.shtml

Neither Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine nor AFLURIA has been evaluated in children. Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.

This is not a vaccine for the UK go on and look for yourself if you decide to go get the vaccine i think the question to ask is who makes it??? Go get your research on your own and make your decision, don't ask whats in it because you will not get the answer!!!

Thanks for the links David. Nothing available locally though...

On question one why should I believe the so called experts? It was not explained that on a test animal they make a wound and inject virus samples into the wound and aggitate it to become infected and then take the pus from the infection and develope it and add stuff like posion and call it a vaccine. I didn't think this was explained very well. I 'm not convinced it's safe at all.

Reality 3:46 PM~ I also noted on the package insert that the pharmaceutical companies don't recommend the vaccine for pregnant women but the CDC is sure pushing it. Can you say guinea pigs?

It's so clear and I know we aren't the only ones who are seeing it. People aren't stupid! If you're healthy, leave well enough alone, and let those who truly NEED this vaccine get it.

Truly, I don't know how these people sleep at night know the harm they are doing to innocent people.

http://vactruth.com/

Amazed, I have some of the answers for you.

The effectiveness and safety testing was done on at least adults and children (I read those reports) late summer/early fall and yes they were all consenting cases that were recruited over the summer. IIRC, final blood draws and analyses were in late September for adults and a few weeks later for kids (they needed time for second dosing).

The US CDC website does have ingredients listings by manufacturer, but good luck getting to it. Took me about an hour of poking around. I do remember no adjuvants at all (since the vaccine tested effective without them). I know seasonal flu vaccine only had a small amount of thimerosal in the multi-dose containers and IIRC, same for H1N1. Individual dose vials were thimerosal free since they could be sealed and protected without a preservative.

There is logic to having moms immunized. Babies lack a developed immune system and younger kids seem to have potential for serious disease progression. By trying to keep Mom flu-free, there is less chance of baby contracting it from birth or breastfeeding, physical contact, etc.

The CDC has not completely stopped patient testing. I was tested by Maine CDC which then forwarded my positive to US CDC for definitive testing/typing. At this point, I think the only people being routinely tested are those experiencing severe cases of the flu and people who have a definite need to know for sure (healthcare workers, people with severe underlying diseases, etc). CDC is still taking samples, but mainly to watch for mutations/drift and to get a general idea of any switch to seasonal as predominant.

People with serious underlying illnesses are at the top of the priority list for most facilities, but they share the spot with pregnant moms, kids, and healthcare workers. There are valid reasons for all of those categories. It still doesn't make the waiting any easier for patients trying to get it.

Putting children on the priority list does make sense as they are the predominant spreaders of the illness ,due to school settings and such, and the fact that kids aren't the greatest at sanitation/hygiene.

novartis another u.s. vac maker here is the package insert for those interested

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf

Here is vaccine maker number 2 stating their vaccine also contains thimerosal in the SINGLE DOSE as well as MULTI-DOSE, so now you have 2 of the 5 companies that contain thimerosal in both their vaccines. Ask who makes it and make your decision from there

Justmehere 4:58 PM~ I also read some information on those who were tested, but I wanted to see if it matched Donna Duntons information. My sources told me that there were about 19 subjects in all... not a very wide range or through test project at all, in my opinion.

As far as finding the ingredients in each vaccine from each manufacturer, I had the same issues of not being able to locate it, but one poster did find the ingredients on the website. It is difficult to locate.

Having mothers immunized without ever having tested this vaccine for pregnant mothers before, how does one really know it it's safe? My understanding was that the fetus is gets the mothers immunity until sometime after birth, and then the immunity is continued by way of breast feeding. I'm very concerned about potential permanent neurological damage to the unborn baby due to the ingredients in these vaccines.

Ahhhh, but of course... by having swarms of pregnant mothers get vaccines for H1N1 2009, we ARE undergoing testing right now.

Your comment: "People with serious underlying illnesses are at the top of the priority list for most facilities, but they share the spot with pregnant moms, kids, and healthcare workers." I disagree with the fact that those with underlying medical conditions are on the priority list, if they were at the top of the list, they would have had their vaccines by now. It's basically a free for all... and whoever gets there first gets the vaccine. They had a system that worked before, there was no real need to change it.

No disrespect intended, please understand.

Reality 5:05 PM~ Good job!

Take note of the first vaccine on the list:

Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine

vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons 4 years of age and older against

influenza disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus (1).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Based on currently available information the vaccination regimen is as follows:

• Children 4 through 9 years of age: Two 0.5-mL intramuscular injections

approximately 1 month apart (2.2)

• Children 10 through 17 years of age: A single 0.5-mL intramuscular injection (2.2)

• Adults 18 years of age and older: A single 0.5-mL intramuscular injection (2.2)

.

***They recommend it for children 4 years and up only!!! Not babies 6 months and up.***

.

• Prefilled single dose syringe, 0.5-mL. Thimerosal, a mercury derivative used during

manufacture, is removed by subsequent purification steps to a trace amount (? 1 mcg

mercury per 0.5-mL dose) (3, 11)

• Multidose vial, 5-mL. Contains thimerosal, a mercury derivative (25 mcg mercury

per 0.5-mL dose). Thimerosal is added as preservative. (3,11)

***You're right REALITY... Very clearly stated above.***

REALITY~ You'll find this very interesting... According to the standards set for 2009, any child born today will have 68 or 69 vaccines by the time he/she is 18 years old. Just imagine all the Thimerosal and other stuff that poor child will have in their body and the side effects they potentially could suffer from it.

REALITY~ They have worlwide offices and they make their vaccines in the following locations:

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

I'm not sure that the vaccines sold in the U.S. would contain Thimerosal or Squalene. Where is Centuramyst when you need her?

There should be some kind of notice as to where these vaccines will be distributed.

These are the kinds of things that leave people in the dark. Of course, we can be told one thing and then the Government can do another...

Due to popular demand, the Bangor Daily News makes the article on H1N1...finally! I thought we would never get there. But, sort-of incomplete as it may be, it does tell us something. The comments told a much better story!

Nevertheless, people are getting the flu out here on the west coast. It is coming from the (now don't get all excited about this...) Mexican population who are traveling farm workers and those border-crossers. Then, it got into the public school systems here...then into the warehousing and manufacturing industry a little, and then spreading to the store/retail businesses. Now, was this flu outbreak caused by the H1N1? Research studies so far have shown there is a mix of flu here. Not all cases are H1N1. I do not have the mathematical statistics on this, but the report I heard of mentioned the H1N1 is mostly within the lower-classes and subcultures right now. But the warnings indicate everyone should be careful where they go, and to keep very clean, and when you get home, take a fairly warm shower.

Sometimes I cannot always wash my hands because of hand-shaking and touching things around me (door handles, keys, pens, chairs, etc), so a good bottle of germicidal hand-wash is great to carry around with you in your purse, briefcase, or pocket.

Amazed, I think we got your point several dozen posts ago. All of us need to weigh benefits vs. risks with this vaccine and any other meds we take. We know you do not want the shot.

Let me ask you this .... have you ever studied what is in the food on the shelves at Hannaford's and Shaw's? Have you looked at the gov't laws for purity (or lack thereof?) in the food we eat?

I understand your point, but there far worse dangers in our air, food and water than a shot for the H1N1. Maine has the highest rate of cancer in the country and that isn't caused by flu shots.

Give it a rest.

BTW~ Here is the Novartis website:

http://www.novartis.com/about-novartis/index.shtml

Amazed, you are correct that SOME immunity gets transferred to baby from mom, but unless mom had the virus or gets the immunization, baby will have no protection when born. Except where specific immunity is temporarily transferred, the babies have a very underdeveloped immune system and would not be able to fight off H1N1, which could have serious effects. The suppressed immunity in newborns gets better over time, as the gut gets colonized with "good" bacteria and the immune system kicks in.

The vaccine did begin clincal trials in pregnant women back in mid-September shooting for 121 patients. (http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2009/niaid-09.htm) I have not seen trial results yet though. I'm also pretty sure I recall a pretty large trial on adults, not 19.

I think that you are correct that not all vaccination locations are prioritizing, but many are. My provider would only take high-risk patients and school aged children, and excluded healthcare workers, other than their own employees, stating that our employing facility should get us the vaccine. I think the problem is that all initial plans had to be drastically changed at the last minute when supplies didn't show up. Not all places have handled the shortage well.

I can tell you why pregnant women are being vaccinated....because if they get the flu and get dehydrated they go into premature labor. They already often are short of breath and have weakened immune systems and are more prone to getting pneumonia and dying. Back when this flu first started killing people there were 42 otherwise healthy pregnant women hospitalized and 16 of them DIED. If that isn't a darn good indicator that pregnant women need to be vaccinated I don't know what is.

SSS 6:24 PM~ Great info on the way it's being spread. I use the germicidal hand was too, the bottles are small enough to keep in your pocket. I also put it on my hands and then lightly run it across my keyboard and mouse... I wonder if the companies who produce that stuff are on "High Order" status? lol

iTHINKso2 6:26 PM~ I already talked about that in an earlier post. check it out:

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/129523.html on 11/16/09 At: 11:15 AM.

There's Centaurmyst... I was looking for you!!

I've got a question for you... how does one know what vaccines are being distributed where. We were checking out a Novartis PDF, that has Thimerosal in it for September 2009.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf

I know that the government says that there is no Squalene in the vaccines and that only multi-dose vaccines have Thimerosal in them, but how do we know exactly which insert is being distributed where?

As far as pregnant women being vaccinated because they can go into early labor... there's a good solution for that... drink fluids and if you can't keep them down, then go to the hospital and have an IV put in to rehydrate.

Do you know where the information on this came from and when it was documented? I'd like to read it.

Justmehere 6:44 PM~ Thank you for that info... the question remains... since this will pass the BBB, will it cause any harm to the unborn baby?

This guy is brilliant.

http://vactruth.com/2009/07/21/dr-andrew-moulden-interview-what-you-were-never-told-about-vaccines/

I doubt that there is a definitive answer about harm to the baby. I think this one falls under the category of "more good than harm" for the largest portion of the population, by all available evidence. It's unfortunate, but public health is about numbers, not individuals. Glad my job gets to focus on the individual.

Infected babies also have another problem in the Bangor area. If you put them in the regular nursery, there is no way to prevent contamination of other babies (can't put a mask on newborns). But there are limited beds in the NICU where containment is possible. What do you do with the infected babies?

Amazed...the CDC website lists all the manufacturers. I went to the manufacturers US websites and found the ingredient inserts.

Also, if pregnant women are vomiting and have the diarrhea from the flu they can't keep down fluids to drink them. My daughter didn't even have the stomach symptoms and she drinks A LOT of water but her cervix still got soft and she was having contractions two days before she even showed any flu symptoms. She had to be put on an IV to stop the contractions and is still at risk to go early. Two days later she got a fever and sore throat and stuffy nose. She isn't due for another 2 months. She wasn't even as sick as she normally gets, either. It's VERY important for pregnant women to get vaccinated because problems can start before a pregnant woman even realizes she's ill.

Yes, if you go to the US websites you can find ingredients... but if you find a package insert, how do you know which State or country it belongs to? For instance if you google BLA1750, it gives you the Novartis PDF insert. There doesn't seem to be anything that distinguishes which country or state the insert is for. When you have a pharmaceutical company that has 6 different countries that they make vaccines for it, it could be easy for them to mix the vials up, and for the mix up to go unnoticed. Hence... Country or State gets Thimerosal, or some other ingredient that they shouldn't get.

Sorry...it was flu.gov where I found the list of manufacturers. This is the link to a list...

http://answers.flu.gov/questions/4081

* Sanofi Pasteur, (http://www.fluzone.com/?fa=protect/fluzone/about/character)

* Novartis, (ONLY the US version of Fluvirin is allowed in the US. Thimerosal is used in manufacture process but goes through stringent purification process to remove all but ? 1 mcg per 0.5-mL dose. Multi-dose vial does contain added Thimerosal to prevent bacterial contamination. http://www.novartisvaccines.com/downloads/diseases-products/Fluvirin_PI_2009_2010.pdf)

* GSK, (http://us.gsk.com/html/medicines/index.html#vaccines) Fluarix contains NO Thimerosal. Flulaval is the multi-dose and does contain it.) (Only those two are allowed in the US.)

* Medimmune (intranasal vaccine... http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/h1n1_pi.pdf)

* CSL. (http://www.mercuryfreefluvaccine.com/)

I've posted links to all the ingredients lists of all the US versions of the vaccines for H1N1. You have to take the time to read a bit to find out which vaccines are US FDA approved. Novartis, for example, only just started shipping vaccines very recently. Of all the vaccines that is probably the one with the most additives, and even those are purified through a special process to try to eliminate as much residuals as is possible. Now that I have made this effort I hope I won't ever see another person use H1N1 vaccine and squalene together on these articles again.

Centaurmyst 7:47 PM~ Basically, your daughters contractions began 2 days BEFORE she contracted the flu and not because OF the flu. I"m sure the fact that she got flu symptoms 2 days after she began having contractions didn't help her much. However, she would have gone into early labor, whether she had the flu or not. I'm glad that she got treatment and they were able to stop the contractions.

You probably weren't around or you were too small to remember when the drug thalidomide was given to pregnant women to prevent morning sickness, from 1957 to 1961 Many of those babies were born with flipper like arms and legs. They don't have an exact count of the tragedy but the estimate is 10 to 20 thousand. Those types of tragedies are obvious from birth, but the neurological tragedies aren't always evident in babies and that is my fear when giving pregnant mothers any medication or vaccine.

Thalidomide is now being used again for cancer treatment and autoimmune problems, but with a huge amount of monitoring.

You can read about it at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide

Centaurmyst 8:41 PM~ I don't look at any of this as a waste of time... I think we've all learned some things that we weren't aware of before, and that's always a good thing.

Amazed...she contracted the flu before the contractions began. The symptoms just didn't appear immediately. It was the same thing with my 9 year old who was exposed by her sister and did not show symptoms until about 4 days after exposure. They both had a mild headache that came and went a few times around the time of exposure but it took longer for them to feel "sick". The contractions started on a Friday morning and almost exactly 48 hours later she felt VERY sick. It can take anywhere from 1 to 10 days after exposure for people to show symptoms.

Amazed...there were 5 recent H1N1 deaths in North Carolina. Two of the 5 were pregnant women. It is safer to get the vaccine because perfectly healthy pregnant women have died. Better to get a vaccine that most likely won't cause any problems than be dead.

"Some pregnant women who have been infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus have had severe illness. Overall, pregnant women have had higher rates of hospitalization than the general population. About 6% of confirmed H1N1 2009 influenza deaths in the U.S. have been in pregnant women, while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant at any given time."

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/providers_qa.htm

Amazed:

Thank you very much for the questions you posted, critical thinking is in short supply these days.

How long after vaccination will a person start building antibodies to H1N1? My children were both vaccinated at the first clinic at the Civic Center and I'd like to know if they're safe (safer) yet.

Informative article. It answered my questions.

Backshore, From information that I got at the time, it takes 7 -10 days for the vaccine to become effective in the body. That is, for the body to produce enough immunity to protect. My kids got the shot at the civic center, they have also had their seasonal flu shots, and now my 11 yr old is home sick with a fever, sore throat, queasy stomach. (flu-like symptoms) Last Friday she complained of a headache, Monday she went to school only to come down with the fever and be sent home. So much for protection. Hopefully she has enough immunity to make this a mild case. Also, There have been kids in her class with H1N1 confirmed before the vaccine was made available. Same with my high schooler. The schools are not notifying anyone about any of this. So you may find yourself in contact with the flu from your child because of the School's decision to not make the contact known. Oh and btw, my 11 yr old is an asthmatic.

How do you know the differnce between having the N1H1 flu and regular influenza?

Great job with this article!!

I've been informed of one particular school with many kids who have been out sick with the flu. Many of those same children lined up for the H1N1 vaccine when the school had a mass vaccination clinic AFTER they'd already had the flu. So my questions are:

1. Since most of these children aren't being tested for H1N1, how do we know whether or not they had H1N1 2009 prior to getting the H1N1 2009 vaccine?

2. Once someone has the H1N1 2009 flu, why must they get the H1N1 2009 flu shot?

3. I feel it's important at this point in time, to give these flu shots to those who have underlying medical conditions and NEED these vaccines FIRST, rather than vaccinating a segment of the population who has already had this particular flu. Isn't that just common sense?

4. How many of the pregnant women who have died from H1N 2009 in the U.S. had underlying medical conditions? (After-all, we do have many pregnant women with Asthma, HIV, Hepatitis, and autoimmune diseases, which would make these particular women even more vulnerable for severe complications and even death, if they got the flu.)

5. How many of those pregnant women who have died were tested and found to SPECIFICALLY have H1N1 2009 for certain?

I'm very glad that we have a place to ask these questions... I just hope they are answered.

HeartOfSky 11/16/09 9:17 PM~ Thank you.

REALITY 3:46 PM~ I went back to the package insert listed on the Prevent Disease .com website that you listed to look over the ingredients.

http://preventdisease.com/news/09/092109_H1N1_package_inserts_warnings.shtml

I clicked on the Novartis latest package insert for 2009 that you mentioned, and looked at the ingredients again. It looks as though they make one big batch, and then try to remove the Thimerosal through a purification process down to a "trace amount". Personally, I don't feel at all good about that. If the CDC is claiming that there is NO Thimerosal in these vaccines, then there shouldn't even be a "trace" amount. That's like giving a kid who's allergic to eggs, a "trace amount" ... just watch and see how quickly they react to that "trace amount".

As far as I'm concerned that is a very misleading claim by the CDC and a possible reason for a lawsuit. (Just my opinion).

Obviously what needs to happen here is: The ingredients for the vaccines that one is getting, needs to be given to the patient, posted on a large board or even posted in newspapers prior to vaccine inoculations, so that everyone can CLEARLY see them. This way they can see if what they are being told is actually true or not.

Amazed, i said earlier in a post yesterday that one of the makers of the U.S. vaccined recommended that pregnant women NOT get vaccinated with their product, NOR women that are breast feeding, BUT the CDC recommends all pregant women, I ASK everyone WHO DO YOU BELIEVE??? And before you line up to get your shot ask who makes it and you can find out whats in it. My earlier posts from yesterday on the U.S vaccine the question is where are the vaccines being distributed, that info i haven't found.

I have been giving my children 1 to two vitamins a day, a poster made a comment to amazed about knowing what is in the food we eat, it was interesting to read the ingredients for a childrens vitamin at the bottom it contains ASPARTAME, 6 years ago when my wife was pregnant with my first child aspartame wasn't recommended for pregant women, i heard a year ago that has changed but i have no proof nor have looked into it, but just thought in was interesting.

Other countries have decided that poverty is last in line to get the vaccine, very interesting decision.

Some other insights into the pregnancy/vaccine dilemma from www.swineflu.mercola.com:

"I am really upset at the insistence by the CDC, medical doctors and the media that all pregnant women should be vaccinated by this experimental vaccine. The media repeats the manufacturers’ mantra that this vaccine is produced exactly like the seasonal flu, when in fact it is not. Yes, they use chicken eggs, but the rest has been fast tracked and many shortcuts on safety procedures have been allowed.

There are 250,000 pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand combined. Only 66 pregnant women were admitted to the ICU, an incidence of 1 pregnant woman per 3,800 pregnant women or a risk of .03%.6 Put another way, a pregnant woman in these two countries can feel comfortable to know that there is a 99.97% chance that she will not get sick enough to end up in the ICU.

Pregnant Women NOT at Increased Risk, Obese Women Are!!

So, why did even 66 pregnant women end up in the ICU? As we shall see in the American study5, a significant number of these pregnant women were either obese or morbidly obese and most had underlying medical problems. The Australian/New Zealand study6 found that one of the major risk factors for pregnant women was indeed being obese and that obesity was associated with a high risk of underlying medical disorders."

Full text and audio interview with Dr. Russell Blaylock, noted neurosurgeon, researcher, author

http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx

A casual observation: I have 2 children in 2 different schools. One school bussed children to the Civic Center so they were able to get their vaccinations. The other did not. The school that provided transportation had a spike in absenteeism the week following the vaccinations. Many of the absentees were children who had been vaccinated. Many others I spoke to had minor complications (bruising, swelling, extreme lethargy, headaches, joint pain) So, this begs the questions.... Are there follow-up reports on any of the vaccinated children? Has anyone kept track of illness in the vaccinated vs unvaccinated? Were the children tested before they got the shots? How will anyone know if the children got sick from the shot or from other sources? IF mass innoculations are given, then mass info gathering should be the next step. That has not happened. Valuable information as to effectiveness, side effects (short and long term) is lost. This is unfortunate.

I think Amazed needs a JOB, a LIFE. Just don't get the vaccine.

muffymuff, i think he is retired, he has every right as you do to post, i for one am very interested in infomation that EVERYONE has on this topic whether i agree with it or not, his information is based off alot of facts and personal experience. He has a job, it appears that he is relaying information to some people out there and creating awareness to people that haven't done their homework, there are problems with both side of the fence with this vaccine and its everyone's right to get access to this information, if the topic doesnt interest you take your mouse and click on the sports section and it will easily move you to another subject that you may care more about.

Dear Souix72, many people do feel ill after such a vaccination, and this is normal. The body is having an appropreate immune mediated responce. No the vaccine has not given them the flu. The body is simply mounting a reaction to the vaccination which makes some patients feel ill; this is more common in pediactric patients. If there was a mass out break of any illness regardless of what it is the CDC would investigate. When ever some one presents to a health care facility specific questions are asked and specific public health info is sent to theCDC as well as Maine public health officials (this is the follow up you hope to see), if trends or concerns arise an investigation ensues.

MuffyMuff 10:17 AM~ Be thankful that you have people out here who are asking some tough questions. What have YOU contributed to this forum other than negative feedback against a poster you know absolutely nothing about? If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all.

REALITY~ MuffyMuff is a new screen name... He/she's been here before posting under another screen name.

Thank you MuffyMuff. But what I have seen is this: Not everyone goes to the doctor, healthcare facility or whatever once they fell sick. So the CDC is not getting this info. Should each person who gets vaccinated be encouraged to report (via email, website, etc) their reactions or lack thereof? Not scientific, but at least any red flags could be monitored then.

I also have another question: How long will the vaccination be effective vs acquiring the immunity naturally (vis being sick)?

Great comment and question at 10:54 AM Souix72!

souix72, from what i have read you don't have lifetime immunity after the shot, so you will have to be vaccinized again like a the standard flu vaccine, because of the strain being different for the vaccine maker its a guess, i believe that its recommended every year but not positive.

TABLE. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Manufacturers for the 2009-2010 Influenza Season

Manufacturer Vaccine Formulation Thimerosal preservative Age indication

sanofi pasteur, Inc. Fluzone®,

Inactivated TIV Multi-dose vial Yes 6 months and older

Single-dose pre-filled 0.25 mL syringe None 6-35 months

Single-dose pre-filled 0.5 mL syringe or vial None 36 months and older

Novartis Vaccine

(formerly Chiron Corporation) Fluvirin®

Inactivated TIV Multi-dose vial Yes 4 years and older

Single-dose pre-filled 0.5mL syringe Preservative free (1 mcg or less mercury/0.5mL dose) 4 years and older

MedImmune Vaccines, Inc. FluMist®

LAIV Single-dose sprayer None Healthy* persons 2-49 years

CSL Biotherapies Afluria® Inactivated TIV Single-dose pre-filled 0.5mL syringe None 18 years and older

Multi-dose vial Yes 18 years and older

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline PLC) Fluarix™

Inactivated TIV Single-dose pre-filled 0.5 mL syringe Preservative free (1 mcg or less mercury/0.5mL dose) 18 years and older

ID Biomedical Corporation (subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline PLC) FluLaval™

Inactivated TIV Multi-dose vial Yes 18 years and older

This is from the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccine, 6 companies making and 4 of them having thimerosal

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxsupply.htm

The CDC labels it preservative free "meaning there is such a small amount of thimerosal that they the CDC considers it thimerosal free" still a joke, you can only take some of their information to heart, its hard to believe anything you read these days cause of propaganda

Amazed...all of the pregnant women listed as dying from H1N1 were tested and confirmed. They only count the confirmed cases. According to everything I have read about the pregnancy deaths there were NO underlying health problems. Pregnancy itself weakens your immune system.

Centaurmyst 12:15 PM~ Do you have the website information for this? I'd like to read it. Thank you! :)

This information is interesting:

Scientists have found that acidic ozone water can effectively kill H1N1 viruses, with the advantages that it leaves no environmentally harmful residue and is inexpensive to prepare.

http://www.physorg.com/news176991361.html

Reality...the ONLY US maker that has trace amounts of Thimerosal in the single dose vaccines is the Novartis Fluvirin. ALL multi-dose vaccines MUST have it because it is US law to have a preservative in multi-dose vaccines. All other SINGLE dose vaccines (aside from Fluvirin) does NOT even have trace amounts...they have NONE at all. Novartis puts it in during the production of ALL vaccine rather than ONLY in the multi-dose batches. That is why there is a trace amount after purification process ONLY in Novartis single dose. NO OTHER single dose has Thimerosal AT ALL.

Increasing numbers of scientists and doctors are issuing

HARSH CRITICISM of the GOVERNMENTS PLAN TO VACCINATE

virtually the entire U.S. population with a poorly

tested vaccine that is not only ineffective against

swine flu, but could cripple and even kill many more

people than it helps.

The CDC’s public relations campaign has been running

“scare” ads that portray swine flu as a full-blown

“pandemic” responsible for snuffing out countless lives.

But scientists and health officials throughout the world

have called the governments claims unjustified and

deliberately misleading. More info see:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/

11/17/Obama-Administration-Launches-Deceptive-Swine-Flu

-Propaganda-Blitz.aspx

Sorry folks that link doesn't seem to work. Try this: mercola.com--search on "What the Inventor of the Flu Shot NOW Thinks of the

Vaccine...", if it doesn't come up on the first page.

centaurmyst, if you scroll up and read that is from cdc site, also they explain in the "no preservative field" means that there's small enough traces of thimerosal that they consider it null, but it still has it in it just small amounts according to the CDC which seems to be your trusted site for info,

H1N1 Vaccine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend immediate vaccination for all pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. does not recommend their vaccine for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Read more: http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/sanofi_pasteur_inc_h1n1_vaccine_ingredients#ixzz0X8nfp9Lc

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM112904.pdf

here is a package insert for flulaval vaccine made by Glaxosmithkline

thats two vaccine makers with thimerosol

For anyone questioning the ingredients google for package insert for the maker your looking for, this is the FDA not a junk site, this is right from the horses mouth, if you want to be more specific try this PACKAGE INSERT FOR FLULAVAL H1N1 VACCINE, thats where i get my information, i'm not sure where others or how you can contradict it, the question is where are these different vaccines going in the U.S, also i know centauramyst's daughter was pregnant and got the vaccine and its there choice but every package insert from these makers says CDC recommends all pregnant women to get vaccine the maker says its not recommended, so take it as you will, this flulaval package insert will tell you the same thing from the source!!!!!!

for those of you that don't know how to navigate this is what is stated for tests on the glaxonsmithkline (flulavin) vaccine

Pregnancy Category C.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with FLULAVAL. It is also not known whether FLULAVAL can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. FLULAVAL should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether FLULAVAL is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when FLULAVAL is administered to a nursing woman.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of FLULAVAL in pediatric patients have not been established.

ANOTHER MAKER CSL (MONOVALENT) VACCINE PACKAGE INSERT

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf

ALSO STATES NO TESTs DONE ON PREGNANT OR NURSING MOTHERs

google the makers of the u.s. h1n1 vaccine then look for package insert, this is not misinformation if its not from the FDA dont read it,

I have recently gone from knowing no one with the virus to 2 people in the same day. You just never know who is going to get it and where they may pick it up.

And although I am for it, I do know a couple of people who's doctor has told them not to get the vaccine and not to let their children get the vaccine do to lack of knowing long term effects. You just don't know who to listen to and who is right.

i have a friend at work who's wife is pregnant they are not getting the shot and when they asked their obgyn they didn't know who made it or whats in it, you have to be careful, a friend of mine is a nanny for a doctor she overheard him and his wife fighting because the wife told him she was going to get the kids vaccinated for H1n1 he said absolutely not!!!!! She couldn't believe what she was hearing, So i don't know if some of these doctors know something or not, a majority DO NOT know whats in it or long term side effects could come from it. This is not the standard vaccine it has only been tested for a couple of months and all the vaccine makers only tested 1500-3500 guinea pigs, nor did they test pregnant women nor do the makers recommend pregnant or nursing mothers get the vaccine

On 11/16/09 at 9:17 PM, HeartOfSky wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Amazed:

"Thank you very much for the questions you posted, critical thinking is in short supply these days".

The problem is that much of what Amazed and REALITY post is based on misinformation or extrapolated info on vaccines in general. Their knowledge of the nature of viral infections in general and flu in particular. For example, they need to cite VALID references for the ONLY cause of flu complications (rsh, soreness) is due to thimerosal. Granted, everyone will react (or not react) differently. For example a prevalent allergic reaction (including the symptoms mentioned) is to eggs since egg proteins are present (becasue the virus is grown on eggs).

Bottom line, none of us posting has an MD so get the opinion of your physician. I see where one responder's doctor said don't get it but probably had good reasons. Be sure to ask for the reasons (you may not be in a high risk category). If that answer isn't satisfactory, get another medical opinion.

In addion, check other newspapers and more original sources for informative articles, including on statistics and testing. The New York Times hasa had recent artciles (yeah, I know, a "liberal" rag, but so what?). Much of the data and predictions are based on statistical anlayses but hosptializations and certainly deaths invlove real tests for H12N1.

I too am in favor of critical thinking but much (but certainly not all) of what's been posted here is based in insufficient knowledge or misinformation. That's critical thinking only to a point. Remember, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

Gopher, my info comes off a CDC site for u.s. vaccine or FDA, i could say the same for you as well but i chose not too, JUST getting my information from what you and centraurmyst call "LEGIT" SITES, i'm not here to mislead people, you and your thoughts could be misleading as well not for me to decide, but my posts are about people saying thmerosal are only mulit-dose vaccines, and it is incorrect, funny how when you say something you don't hear from certain people in a while, but if you say something that may be contradictary they're in your face all of a sudden, there's some of those poster's on here.

In reference to your post a couple days ago, my son has a temperature and is kicked out of school till the temp is gone(my other child) the one that was sick a week ago is fine and back to school. Thanks for you concern

Information to me that comes from a newspaper or New York Times or etc to me is bogus, if you want people to go to those sites they will find interesting information but not facts!! FDA site with a specific U.S. vaccine gives you the packet data in the vaccine from the vendors, you can do it yourselves the contradiction between the CDC and the vaccine makers is there how more plain can it be.

Funny thing is there are more and more posters that are not convinced of this vaccine on here then those that are, and most of them new posters, so you can take the info you believe in and use it at will, these posters can do the same

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf

Read more: http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/sanofi_pasteur_inc_h1n1_vaccine_ingredients#ixzz0X8nfp9Lc

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxsupply.htm

FOR those of you out there that are open minded and care to read some interesting information from the vaccine makers and their testing click the link, this is not from a newspaper article or MSN.COM you will find the packet data here,

OMG Reality...the vaccines that have trace amounts (ONLY the one I pointed out for single dose) have it listed on their inserts. From here on out I'm just ignoring you because even when given PROOF and facts you STILL keep making outrageous claims to the opposite. It's beyond ridiculous at this point and all I can do is hope that people have enough sense to check out the links I posted to the actual fact sheets about the different vaccines being given in the US.

CENTAURMYST, your proof is nothing, i'm not here attacking people i see it didnt take long for you to come back, you remind me of my ex wife when she was lying and i caught her on it she yelled more AND lied more. You stick to one topic your tunnel vision will make mistakes, i'm glad that i can see the good and bad in things.

You can have your CDC site thats what you stick too, people have realized that they can't believe anything they hear anymore, your attacks on people make you look stupid, Gopher said something in earlier post ask around ask more doctors get more information, but if everyone was to listen to you on here they would drive up to a gas station get a gallon of gas and shoot it up before reading the warning the label.

you may be able to persuade few people but i think everyone is trying to find out as much as they can on these vaccines INCLUDING DOCTORS,

The only thing i will say is you give people help when needed when searching for phone numbers and where to get vaccines, but let other people decide and read these posts, its like the oprah winfrey show on here wow

One question to everyone on here, were you aware that the vaccine may be harmful, you get the information on what you think is good about the vaccine i will work on the "grey area" which seems to be real popular right now.

Some stories about specific pregnant women who have DIED from H1N1...maybe seeing their faces and reading their stories will inspire certain people to STOP saying pregnant women shouldn't get vaccinated.

22-year-old Amber Remmel

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/health/Hamilton_County_resident_dies_from_H1N1_20091030

20-year-old Kelsey Renee Young

http://www2.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/cph_confirms_1st_local_h1n1_death/22469/

27-year-old Katie Flyte

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/13/earlyshow/health/main5239503.shtml

27-year old Monica Rodriguez

http://cbs2.com/local/Pregnant.Swine.Flu.2.1277283.html

http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainment/movie-guide/names+faces+Canada+victims+H1N1/2171605/story.html

Personal stories of some people who have died from H1N1 from Canada....including info on any "underlying" health issues (asthma and diabetes count)

A couple of more stories of children:

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/SwineFluNews/swine-flu-stories-young-victims-h1n1/story?id=8827490

You can also google the same and find people that have died from the vaccine as well, i'm not the one saying that pregnant women shouldn't get the vaccine, IT's the makers of the vaccines saying that pregnant women should not get vaccinated unless it has to be done, the CDC tell you to get vaccinated.

You make a bowl of chili you going to tell people whats in it, or you going to just give to everyone hoping their not allergic to your ingredients you added, i'm sure your stories are good i'm happy for the people that got it, but short term fixes don't work if there's possible long term effects.

You only want the people to know about the good, but you fail to inform them that this vaccine wasn't tested on pregnant women or women that were breast feeding, but you push it, that we all listen to the CDC they recommend the vaccine for women but the company that tested it does not recommend the vaccine to pregant women if at all possible, feel good stories are good, but if i were getting it i would want to jump into with my both guns loaded, not going into thinking this is the safest thing in the world.

does anyone else reading this column want to hear people asking valid questions???- like it was meant to be- or do you want to continue to hear amazed and reality spout off.

come on guys- be real- this was put here for other reasons

Ummm...pregnant women get the single dose vaccine without the trace of Thimerosal. There is NO squalene. As long as they are not allergic to eggs (the main cause of allergic reactions from vaccines) the vaccine is NOT unsafe for pregnant women. So Reality...kindly post the names of the pregnant women who have died from the H1N1 vaccine. Actually...post the names of anyone who has died from the vaccine. If anyone had really died from the vaccine their family members would be all over the media reporting it and youtube would be filled with videos about it. Where are those videos? Show me even one case where anyone died from the H1N1 vaccine.

Yes, the vaccine WAS tested on pregnant women back in August. I was just looking at that information. To provide even more thorough data they even updated their findings on November 12th. You really should LOOK things up instead of just automatically believing everything you read on those anti-vaccine sites.

My question is...why can't we get our regular flu shots? There's so much hype about H1N1, but the docs don't even have the regular flu vaccine to give us "senior citizens", so we are at risk for getting some kind of flu before the season is over.

Coastalblogger 8:28 PM~ Obviously you're one of those very narrow minded individuals, who questions nothing and believes everything your government wants you to do and if it's free, it's for you! I'll bet you don't attend city hall or town hall meetings, and you've probably never even seen the inside of the state house in Augusta. You wouldn't know a 22 G 1/2 from a 30 G 5/8 needle, or intubating from extubating. If I asked you how studies for testing were done on these vaccines, you wouldn't have the faintest clue on that either. You're just a person who loves to sit behind your computer and spout off at people. I'd venture to guess that you've got an IQ of about 70.

I hadn't been on this blog since 12:20 PM this afternoon, so why are you choosing to attack the two people on here who are against these vaccines being given to healthy people? I don't see you attacking those who are FOR this vaccine. What exactly is YOUR issue? Are you unhappy at home, not tall enough, have buck teeth, or perhaps you can't find a job... whatever your issue is, take care of it... and if you don't like coming here and reading the debates that take place, then march your mouse to the next article.

Doesn't anyone question why the makers of the H1N1 vaccines are not recommending them for pregnant women, yet the CDC is herding them in like cattle? It's because the CDC is in "testing mode"... every pregnant woman is being subjected to testing, by having this vaccine right now. It's just common sense people.

Here are the latest headlines in Canada:

CDC States H1N1 Vaccine May Maim and Kill 30,000 Americans, FDA Requires Minimal Efficacy.

CDC says to assume 1 in every 100,000 vaccine recipients will suffer serious side effects, FDA only requires vaccine be effective.

It's true!

Listen to this video from Fox News 5 in Virginia. This kid is 14 years old and has been having flu shots for the last 4 years without any issues, the exception this year... he got the H1N1 vaccine.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=16124

Amazed...there are 80-120 cases of GBS in the US every week. Most of those people did not have vaccines. Most people also fully recover from GBS. Many experts also believe that the actual cases associated with vaccines is from the vaccine being contaminated with bacteria...which can happen when no preservative is added. Eating undercooked chicken and drinking unpasteurized milk can cause infection from Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria that can lead to GBS.

Centaurmyst 11:27 AM~ This will the the third time in the comments that I've asked you to site your sources. Check previous comments.

Folks need to think long-term here. A child born in the U.S. today will be expected to have 68-69 vaccines by the time he/she is 18 years old. Think about the accumulation of chemicals the body is being subjected to and how the immune system is being destroyed over time.

http://mercury-freedrugs.org/docs/090813_fnldrft_TheNoThimerosalPreservedVaccineLie_r6b.pdf

Take note... this is a .org site

Wow! AMAZED (reality), did you not chastise me just yesterday for being negative and not contributing to this blog? I think you should 1) get some rest 2) think of something nice to say to Coastalblogger cause you were way out of line, 3) Just walk away from your computer until you have done some research as you are farther from truth and fact every day......we all appreciate your enthusiasm but you are scaring people and are now doing this community and blog a disservice. Please people do disscuse issues important to you ;we all have something to contribute, but stay constructive and VERIFY your information as so much of this blog is inaccurate (check the links most I went to were not credible).

For those of you who want more information regarding vaccines.... Take the time to watch this series of video's, it's very enlightening.

http://vodpod.com/watch/1580347-vaccines-the-true-weapons-of-mass-destruction-part-1-of-15

MuffyMuff 12:57 PM~ First of all the commenter Reality and I are NOT one in the same. I don't know who Reality is or where he/she is from, so let's clear that up right now!!

As to your comment to me about chastising Coastalblogger... please note his/her comment 11/17/09 8:28 PM. Yes, he/she's an idiot with a very small mind in my opinion. Coastalblogger made a comment that in no way contributed to article itself. I might add that you are in that very same category. Why do you feel the need to create a new screen-name and attack someone who doesn't happen to have the same "thoughts or opinions" that you have? Answer: Because, instead of looking for answers on both sides of this issue, your small mind would rather create trouble. Stick to the topic!! If some small minded individual decides to get off topic and attack me personally, I'm not going to back down.

I have some very firm beliefs when it comes to vaccines as do people on the opposing side. If people are scared, that's not my problem. It's their responsibility to look at all the facts, come to their own personal conclusion and make their own decision. After-all, each and every one of us is responsible for what we choose to put into our bodies.

As far as doing this blog a disservice, I could say the same about those who disagree with me, but I don't feel that way at all. Debates are important, and those who choose to intelligently debate this topic, are contributing in some very important ways on both the pro and con sides.

As far as links that aren't credible, by all means back up your statement with facts... I'm willing to listen. Otherwise, you're just blowing hot air that has no credibility.

Investigative journalist reports about the H1N1 vaccine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4SmFxyust0&feature=related

Infections Disease Specialist... talks about H1N1 flu and Vaccine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1z7KSEnyxw&NR=1

Very informative.

The media does have limited use.

As far as statistics go on absentee's and confirmed H1N1 tests goes, i took my 6yr old to the doctor yesterday, no tests were done on him, he has a 103 temp a violent uncontrollable cough which induces vomitting at times, the dr diagnosed him swith H1n1, apparently they've seen enough of it that they just know what it is??? But its not confirmed, for those of you worried about your child getting it,THIS is what i can tell you about his symptoms, he is full of energy but tires quickly, temp seems to stabilize with motrin for 6 hours or so and have to re-medicate, if your child is coughing and a week or so after the start of the cough the fever begins then you can be prepared for your child to miss school and give him plenty of rest and vitamins. They treated this like anyother cold or flu didn't prescribe any antiobiodics or medicine, just keep the temerature under control and make sure you give them plenty of fluids and VITAMINS are recommended to build up the immune system, my sons case seems to be common with whats going around in this area, he is doing as well as you can i guess but other children may react different to it. Last week with the cough i started giving him 2 vitamins a day along with my 4 year old girl, dr recommended fluids, vitamins, and keep the temperature under control, once the temp is 24 hours without meds they can go back to school,

I havent been online for a few days, imagine my laughter this morning to come here and see what the almighty Amazed has written about me-- concerning my real lack of desire to hear him ramble on and on - on why he feels nobody in this State should have the H1N1 vaccine.

Amazed- I feel no real need to defend myself to you other than say that I am a nurse. I have seen how this strain of flu is effecting certain members of our communities. I believe the BDN has put this weekly series in the paper to inform the public on new information they receive. Not for your benefit, so that you can come on here and state what you feel are facts against the vaccine. You are doing nothing but putting fear into people, and this is a personal choice.

It seems the tabled are turned, and you are in fact the one " who loves to sit behind your computer and spout off at people." I wouldnt venture a guess at your IQ as you did mine, but no matter, sometimes highly intelligent people ( not to say that you actually are ) ...have literally No common sense.

People- just be careful right now, follow general hygiene of washing hands and staying away from crowds.Chances are, before this is over, you WILL be exposed to this virus. When the vaccine becomes available to the general public- make your own decision based on facts you have received from the professionals, not wind bags here on the BDN.

just a post note- I apologize for taking up this space. This will be the last post from me on this subject.

Coastalblogger, in all fairness i took my child yesterday to a "Professional" other than the fact that she has to have the shot, she didn't have any answers for me on one, what was in the shot she had, and two who the vaccine maker was, they know very little about the vaccine, her answer to me was i would rather have a new vaccine then have a new virus? My child will be fine when this has come and gone, i am worried about some people that have asthma or lung problems, his coughs are uncontrollable like sneezing, its clearly people opinion on whether they want the vaccine or not because someone is against it that doesn't mean their putting fear in everyone, i haven't had a flu shot in 10 years up till this past summer is the first time i've had the flu in ten years.

Until the professionals that are administering the shot or the people testing the vaccine can come out and just say "hey this is what it is" i think their are going to be more skeptics.

Your advice on hygiene is good, as i said in earlier comment we all have to make sure we can keep our immune system where it should be because there will be a day if you haven't been exposed that you will be and you need to fight it with all cylinders working

Coastalblogger 10:59 AM~ Imagine my dismay when I came online this evening and read that you're a nurse! LOL Just because you have a nursing degree doesn't impress me at all, because you have been far from professional straight from your 11/17/09 comment. First of all, you attacked me without provocation see: 11/17/09 8:28 PM. Hence my follow up with you.

I have worked in the medical community for many many years and quite frankly although most doctors and nurses are intelligent, some lack common sense. Had common sense ruled in your head before you made that comment to me, it would have told you to allow others to have their own opinion and let them give their reasons why, after-all that's what this forum is for.

I have repeatedly said: "I BELIEVE THOSE WHO HAVE UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS NEED THIS VACCINE, BUT THOSE WHO ARE HEALTHY DO NOT." Now, had you been reading my prior posts, you would have known this: I also feel that getting this vaccine IS a personal choice, but people need to know the pro's and con's of a healthy individual (especially children and pregnant women) getting this vaccine. The flu vaccine priority level has been severely mismanaged. Look at the number of folks who DO NEED this vaccine because of their underlying medical conditions, yet haven't received it. Instead, we have tons of totally healthy kids running around who would easily be able to get through this just fine, and those who NEED immunity have been sent to the back of the line to suffer the consequences when they get the flu.

Now, being a nurse... I'm sure you are well aware of the many FOLKS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, who have become very ill and have been hospitalized, because they haven't received their flu shots. Or are you saying that those folks have received their H1N1 2009 vaccine but it didn't work?

If you read Reality's comment 11/19/09 12:41 PM~ He clearly stated that he took his child to a doctor, and the doctor didn't know what the vaccine had in it, or even who the vaccine maker was, yet insisted that his child have this vaccine. This is part of the problem... we have pharmaceutical companies and the CDC telling the professionals to give this vaccine to people, and most professionals do what they are told... no questions asked. How dumb is that?!!

I didn't instill fear in anyone... BIG Pharma and the CDC did that!! What is truly scary is the fact that we have doctors and nurses out there, who don't question anything and are giving vaccines with ingredients in them, that they know absolutely nothing about. If these professionals aren't going to grab the bull by the horns and be responsible, then we must leave it up to those who are getting vaccines, and empower them with the knowledge they need to make an INFORMED decision. We've got pregnant women who don't have any underlying medical conditions lining up for this vaccine in droves... when the makers of this vaccine have clearly stated right on the package insert, that they DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS VACCINE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. NEED I SAY MORE?