Wolfgang Wodarg , former SPD member of parliament, and chairman of the European parliament’s health committee, initiated the inquiry. The motion was passed unanimously by his colleagues in the European parliament‘s health committee.
Wodarg has criticised the measures taken against the swine flu as "one of the biggest medical scandals of the century.“
He said the influence of the the pharmaceutical industry on scientists and government officials has resulted in "millions of healthy people being exposed unnecessarily to the risks of an inadequately tested vaccine.“ That even though the swine flu virus is "much less harmful“ than last year’s seasonal flu, causing "not even a tenth of the usual deaths associated with flu.“
Wodarg has also criticised the way pharmaceutical companies have made gigantic profits at the expense of taxpayers.
He accused vaccine manufacturers of being willing even to inflict bodily harm in their pursuit of profits, noting that the adjuvants in the swine flu jab have hardly been tested. In addtion,the vaccine‘s side effects including dangerous paralysis have not been adequately recorded.
Wodarg has said that the role of the WHO and its pandemic emergency declaration in June needs to be the special focus of a European parliamentary inquiry. For the first time the criteria for a pandemic was made not the actual risk of a disease, but the number of cases of the disease.
By classifying the swine flu as pandemic, nations were compelled to implement pandemic plans and also to purchase swine flu vaccines.
Because WHO is not subject to any parliamentary control, Wodarg argued it is necessary for governments to insist on accountability.
21 Mayıs 2010 Cuma
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO INVESTIGATE WHO IN JANUARY 2010
Thanks to website "The Flu Case" we have a story in English derived from reports in two German newspapers, Zeit and Tages Spiegel:
Canada: We Were Right. Prior (non-swine) flu shots increased risk of getting swine flu infection/ US News
The traditional seasonal flu vaccine may have increased the risk of infection with pandemic H1N1 swine flu, according to the results of four new studies by Canadian researchers, published in PLOS Medicine.
If accurate (and now there are at least 6 studies that agree with this conclusion), this is not an anomaly. Licensed vaccines have at times been shown to increase, paradoxically, the infections they are meant to prevent. (Then the license is withdrawn.) For details, see my prior post on this topic. According to a detailed article in CIDRAP:
Here then may be a rather serious unintended consequence of flu vaccination:
If accurate (and now there are at least 6 studies that agree with this conclusion), this is not an anomaly. Licensed vaccines have at times been shown to increase, paradoxically, the infections they are meant to prevent. (Then the license is withdrawn.) For details, see my prior post on this topic. According to a detailed article in CIDRAP:
Immunity is not a simple thing. Vaccine theory is in its infancy, and vaccine development is based on trial and error.If that finding is not the result of chance or bias that occurred despite careful study design, the researchers say, then several hypotheses might explain the increased risk. Immunization might block the cross-protective immunity created by an earlier infection. "Original antigenic sin," or immunologic memory dating back to someone's first flu infection, might create antibody responses that are cross-reactive to other flu strains, but not strong enough to be cross-protective, and thus do not neutralize the virus. Or a related phenomenon called "antibody-dependent enhancement" might lead antibodies to inadvertently enhance virus uptake and production.
Here then may be a rather serious unintended consequence of flu vaccination:
The researchers found that (getting an earlier year) seasonal flu vaccination was associated with a 68 percent increased risk of getting swine flu (infection).
Flu Inc.: How vaccines became big business/ Globe and Mail
Paul Waldie and Grant Robertson of the Globe and Mail, Canada have published a detailed investigative piece on how vaccines have been transformed into a huge industry in the space of a few years. Thirty-two percent growth per year has followed the expanding use of yearly flu vaccines (and the expanding population groups for whom it is advised). This article is a must-read explanation of the vaccine industry and the strategies it is employing. Snippets follow:
... H5N1 (avian or bird flu virus) would alter government approaches to pandemic planning. But it would also create a new and unprecedented opportunity for the global pharmaceutical industry. It was, as Dr. Ossi recalls, “an obvious commercial opportunity” for the drug companies – one that is reshaping their businesses.
In a matter of a few years, flu shots have gone from being a marginal, money-losing business to a massive profit generator for a small number of global companies, as
governments and the public hasten to protect themselves from getting sick.
Between 2004 and 2007, vaccine sales across the industry soared an average
of 32 per cent each year, with flu vaccine leading the way. That is roughly four
times faster than any other pharmaceutical product.This is the story of how that happened – how Flu Inc. grew out of nowhere, transforming a once struggling business characterized by lab closures and lawsuits into a high-profit industry in less than a decade, and of the steps the pharmaceutical industry has taken to ensure the dollars keep flowing.
The change is driven by a new way of thinking in government about how to approach future threats of a flu pandemic. Health officials have begun to see merit in pursuing a strategy of stockpiling vaccines, even at a much higher cost per dose than they paid in the past...
The problem with making vaccines
For years, scientists had tried to find a faster way to make vaccines. They chased a variety of theories, including isolating the DNA of a virus, which many researchers believed would unlock new ways to fight infections. But at its main vaccine facility in Rixensart, Belgium, Glaxo had found a way to make vaccines more potent using another kind of technology: adjuvants...
Adjuvants are like superchargers for vaccines. They are mild contaminants that cause the body to respond with a more intense immune response. When paired with antigens, the adjuvant liquid can make the vaccine's impact stronger. This allows for more doses to be produced from less antigen...
Adjuvants allowed companies to pump out more, but it is also a higher-margin business than antigens... “The barriers to enter the market are extremely high,” said Mr. Monteyne in Belgium. “You don't become a vaccine maker over night. That's why we have a few big players, and very few only.” That meant the giants could push hard to increase prices. And they did.
...the cost of a flu shot is flexible depending on whether the buyer can pay more. “We have a tiered pricing strategy,” Mr. Monteyne said. “It is mainly based on the level of income of the country.”
...Switzerland was the first country to jump in. In October, 2006, with fear over H5N1 at fever pitch, the Swiss signed a contract with Glaxo on a stockpiling deal that called for 8 million doses of avian flu vaccine, slightly more than one shot for every citizen. This emerging business – pre-pandemic treatment – was rounding into shape. Glaxo began trade-marking the names of vaccines along those lines, registering its vaccines as Prepandrix.
... There was just one problem: the H5N1 pandemic never happened. The virus stayed mostly with animals. The Swiss were left with one of the world's largest stockpiles of unused H5N1 flu vaccine. Glaxo's sales of avian flu vaccine fell 54 per cent in 2008, as countries realized their stockpiles weren't needed.
... Once a country bought a large supply of adjuvant, it was locked in as a buyer for Glaxo's antigen for years to come. Countries were not just vaccine buyers now; they were subscribers, coming back annually to the company for more and different types of shots... In the past 12 months, the number of countries using such stockpiling methods has grown to 60 from less than 10. (See discussion of how the UK is negotiating with GSK to cancel H1N1 shots and in exchange stockpile GSK's adjuvant, here.)
... Soaring vaccine sales are also pushing companies to chase profit in other types of shots. The race is now on to develop blockbuster vaccines, defined as those that bring in more than $1-billion annually. Two recently developed vaccines – Prevnar for pneumonia and Gardasil for cervical cancer – have become blockbusters, selling close to $2-billion a year.... It's a new marketplace.
Weekly Update on H1N1 in Maine 7/29/09
Epidemiologic Trends
A total of 20 cases have been identified since the last update, for a total of 302 confirmed and probable cases to date. Most of the cases continue to be in the southern half of the state. The number of cases is only a barometer of community transmission, not of actual case counts. US CDC and WHO are no longer providing case numbers, since increasingly the numbers of those tested are a significant underestimate of those with the infection.
Three summer camps have reported at least one confirmed case of H1N1 in the last week. All camps reporting outbreaks have been able to remain open and isolate ill children following US CDC recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). Many camps are starting their second sessions and having visiting days, so prevention and screening efforts have increased.
Massachusetts, which has had more cases of H1N1 than Maine and therefore more data, has a hospitalization rate of about 12%, which is close to the national rate for H1N1 of 11%. This is significantly higher than the hospitalization rate for seasonal influenza, which is about 1%. Seasonal influenza is most serious in those 65 and older, while the average age for those most seriously ill with H1N1 in MA is 14. Out of the 5 deaths in MA, 3 had underlying conditions and 2 did not.
Since the southern hemisphere is in its seasonal influenza (winter) season, with both H1N1 and seasonal influenza strains circulating, the situation there is being monitored carefully as a barometer of our upcoming fall/winter seasonal influenza season. Viral isolates from the southern hemisphere have not indicated any significant genetic changes thus far in H1N1, and the profile of those encountering serious illness with H1N1 there is the same as is seen in the U.S. Some countries are seeing strains on the health care systems and some have closed schools, providing strong evidence that the U.S. should move forward with H1N1 vaccine.
Respiratory Etiquette
Prevention of H1N1 is most important, especially now that the virus is becoming more widespread in Maine. Respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue, washing hands frequently, and staying home if ill with a fever) is a shared responsibility of everyone in Maine, especially to protect people who are at higher risk for complications from H1N1. Those at higher risk for complications from H1N1 should take extra precautions (see CDC Information for Specific Groups: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm
and Maine CDC’s H1N1 website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml).
Vaccination
Maine CDC is working with a number of statewide partners to plan for large scale vaccine campaigns this fall. The first is a school-located seasonal influenza vaccine campaign. The FDA has approved the vaccine for 2009-2010 seasonal influenza (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm172772.htm).
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccine, including that all children ages 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated against seasonal influenza, and that vaccination efforts should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue through the influenza season. (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0724a1.htm?s_cid=rr58e0724a1_e)
Maine CDC staff continues to meet weekly to plan for the possible arrival of H1N1 vaccine later in the fall, which may be a two-dose vaccine a month apart. US CDC has updated its Q&A on H1N1 vaccine (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm). Clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine are starting soon (http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2009/niaid-22.htm).
H1N1 Summit planned for August 20
Maine CDC continues to work closely with high-risk settings and organizations on preparing for a possible escalation of H1N1 in the fall, especially as schools reconvene and transmission is then expected to pick up. Maine CDC/DHHS, Maine Emergency Management Agency, and Maine Department of Education are co-sponsoring an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive.
A $15 registration fee is required, with scholarships by request. For more information, contact MCD Meeting Services at conferences@mcd.org or 207-622-7566, ext 232. To register online: http://www.mcdregistration.org/signup.asp?ID=172
H1N1 Vaccine Q&A (source: US CDC)
Q. What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine. Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the few months.
Q. When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available?
A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials
Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu?
A. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel H1N1 flu.
Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
A. Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that novel H1N1 and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same time. We expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. Based on what we're currently seeing with respect to the virus and epidemiologic data, states, communities, and health care providers should begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger people (children and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and people who have underlying health conditions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other federal advisory bodies will continue to monitor the virus and review epidemiologic data over the summer. We'll be looking to the ACIP and other stakeholders, as well as the public, as we move forward in our planning. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ from earlier guidance as more data becomes available however it's very important for planning to continue based on information currently available.
Q. Where will the vaccine be available?
A. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.
Q. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?
A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Q. What about the use of antivirals to treat novel H1N1 infection?
A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
Neurologic Complications Associated with H1N1 Infection in Children
This US CDC MMWR report describes the clinical findings related to four children in Dallas, Texas, who experienced neurological complications associated with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in May. All four patients recovered fully. These findings indicate that, as with seasonal influenza, neurologic complications can occur after respiratory tract infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5828a2.htm?s_cid=mm5828a2_e
Other New or Recently Updated US CDC H1N1 Guidance or News
Interim Guidance for People who have Close Contact with Pigs in Non-commercial Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_pig_workers.htm
H1N1 Monitoring Questions and Answers
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/reportingqa.htm
For more information
U.S. CDC H1N1 Recommendations and Guidance
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/
Maine CDC H1N1 Website
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml
Maine CDC Clinical Consultation 24x7 line: 1-800-821-5821
To view surveillance data and other updates: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-update-archives.shtml
A total of 20 cases have been identified since the last update, for a total of 302 confirmed and probable cases to date. Most of the cases continue to be in the southern half of the state. The number of cases is only a barometer of community transmission, not of actual case counts. US CDC and WHO are no longer providing case numbers, since increasingly the numbers of those tested are a significant underestimate of those with the infection.
Three summer camps have reported at least one confirmed case of H1N1 in the last week. All camps reporting outbreaks have been able to remain open and isolate ill children following US CDC recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). Many camps are starting their second sessions and having visiting days, so prevention and screening efforts have increased.
Massachusetts, which has had more cases of H1N1 than Maine and therefore more data, has a hospitalization rate of about 12%, which is close to the national rate for H1N1 of 11%. This is significantly higher than the hospitalization rate for seasonal influenza, which is about 1%. Seasonal influenza is most serious in those 65 and older, while the average age for those most seriously ill with H1N1 in MA is 14. Out of the 5 deaths in MA, 3 had underlying conditions and 2 did not.
Since the southern hemisphere is in its seasonal influenza (winter) season, with both H1N1 and seasonal influenza strains circulating, the situation there is being monitored carefully as a barometer of our upcoming fall/winter seasonal influenza season. Viral isolates from the southern hemisphere have not indicated any significant genetic changes thus far in H1N1, and the profile of those encountering serious illness with H1N1 there is the same as is seen in the U.S. Some countries are seeing strains on the health care systems and some have closed schools, providing strong evidence that the U.S. should move forward with H1N1 vaccine.
Respiratory Etiquette
Prevention of H1N1 is most important, especially now that the virus is becoming more widespread in Maine. Respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue, washing hands frequently, and staying home if ill with a fever) is a shared responsibility of everyone in Maine, especially to protect people who are at higher risk for complications from H1N1. Those at higher risk for complications from H1N1 should take extra precautions (see CDC Information for Specific Groups: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm
and Maine CDC’s H1N1 website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml).
Vaccination
Maine CDC is working with a number of statewide partners to plan for large scale vaccine campaigns this fall. The first is a school-located seasonal influenza vaccine campaign. The FDA has approved the vaccine for 2009-2010 seasonal influenza (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm172772.htm).
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccine, including that all children ages 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated against seasonal influenza, and that vaccination efforts should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue through the influenza season. (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0724a1.htm?s_cid=rr58e0724a1_e)
Maine CDC staff continues to meet weekly to plan for the possible arrival of H1N1 vaccine later in the fall, which may be a two-dose vaccine a month apart. US CDC has updated its Q&A on H1N1 vaccine (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm). Clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine are starting soon (http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2009/niaid-22.htm).
H1N1 Summit planned for August 20
Maine CDC continues to work closely with high-risk settings and organizations on preparing for a possible escalation of H1N1 in the fall, especially as schools reconvene and transmission is then expected to pick up. Maine CDC/DHHS, Maine Emergency Management Agency, and Maine Department of Education are co-sponsoring an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive.
A $15 registration fee is required, with scholarships by request. For more information, contact MCD Meeting Services at conferences@mcd.org or 207-622-7566, ext 232. To register online: http://www.mcdregistration.org/signup.asp?ID=172
H1N1 Vaccine Q&A (source: US CDC)
Q. What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine. Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the few months.
Q. When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available?
A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials
Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu?
A. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel H1N1 flu.
Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
A. Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that novel H1N1 and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same time. We expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. Based on what we're currently seeing with respect to the virus and epidemiologic data, states, communities, and health care providers should begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger people (children and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and people who have underlying health conditions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other federal advisory bodies will continue to monitor the virus and review epidemiologic data over the summer. We'll be looking to the ACIP and other stakeholders, as well as the public, as we move forward in our planning. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ from earlier guidance as more data becomes available however it's very important for planning to continue based on information currently available.
Q. Where will the vaccine be available?
A. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.
Q. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?
A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Q. What about the use of antivirals to treat novel H1N1 infection?
A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
Neurologic Complications Associated with H1N1 Infection in Children
This US CDC MMWR report describes the clinical findings related to four children in Dallas, Texas, who experienced neurological complications associated with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in May. All four patients recovered fully. These findings indicate that, as with seasonal influenza, neurologic complications can occur after respiratory tract infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5828a2.htm?s_cid=mm5828a2_e
Other New or Recently Updated US CDC H1N1 Guidance or News
Interim Guidance for People who have Close Contact with Pigs in Non-commercial Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_pig_workers.htm
H1N1 Monitoring Questions and Answers
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/reportingqa.htm
For more information
U.S. CDC H1N1 Recommendations and Guidance
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/
Maine CDC H1N1 Website
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml
Maine CDC Clinical Consultation 24x7 line: 1-800-821-5821
To view surveillance data and other updates: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-update-archives.shtml
Canada: We Were Right. Prior (non-swine) flu shots increased risk of getting swine flu infection/ US News
The traditional seasonal flu vaccine may have increased the risk of infection with pandemic H1N1 swine flu, according to the results of four new studies by Canadian researchers, published in PLOS Medicine.
If accurate (and now there are at least 6 studies that agree with this conclusion), this is not an anomaly. Licensed vaccines have at times been shown to increase, paradoxically, the infections they are meant to prevent. (Then the license is withdrawn.) For details, see my prior post on this topic. According to a detailed article in CIDRAP:
Here then may be a rather serious unintended consequence of flu vaccination:
If accurate (and now there are at least 6 studies that agree with this conclusion), this is not an anomaly. Licensed vaccines have at times been shown to increase, paradoxically, the infections they are meant to prevent. (Then the license is withdrawn.) For details, see my prior post on this topic. According to a detailed article in CIDRAP:
Immunity is not a simple thing. Vaccine theory is in its infancy, and vaccine development is based on trial and error.If that finding is not the result of chance or bias that occurred despite careful study design, the researchers say, then several hypotheses might explain the increased risk. Immunization might block the cross-protective immunity created by an earlier infection. "Original antigenic sin," or immunologic memory dating back to someone's first flu infection, might create antibody responses that are cross-reactive to other flu strains, but not strong enough to be cross-protective, and thus do not neutralize the virus. Or a related phenomenon called "antibody-dependent enhancement" might lead antibodies to inadvertently enhance virus uptake and production.
Here then may be a rather serious unintended consequence of flu vaccination:
The researchers found that (getting an earlier year) seasonal flu vaccination was associated with a 68 percent increased risk of getting swine flu (infection).
H1N1 vaccine study investigating hints of complications from vaccine/ Washington Post
Rob Stein at the Post discusses a "hint" that swine flu vaccine may have caused increased cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome, Bell's Pallsy and thrombocytopenia.
The US CDC, unlike its counterpart in Australia, manages the news on vaccine adverse events closely, especially for swine flu. Remember that CDC hosted a meeting for invited journalists and bloggers to teach them not to report small numbers of adverse events at the start of the swine flu vaccination program. Attendees were not permitted to report on the meeting. I blogged on this some months back.
We would therefore not be hearing about this hint unless the evidence was quite strong. Furthermore, all 3 diagnoses are known to be side effects of other vaccines. GBS has been caused by flu vaccines. CDC identified increased cases of Bell's Palsy reported following influenza vaccination in 2004. Thrombocytopenia cases are increased after measles vaccine, according to FDA, and increased after MMR vaccines.
This increases the odds these diseases may be side effects of swine flu vaccine. Because of enhanced swine flu vaccine adverse event surveillance in multiple countries, it will be difficult for one or two countries to cover up their findings.
The US CDC, unlike its counterpart in Australia, manages the news on vaccine adverse events closely, especially for swine flu. Remember that CDC hosted a meeting for invited journalists and bloggers to teach them not to report small numbers of adverse events at the start of the swine flu vaccination program. Attendees were not permitted to report on the meeting. I blogged on this some months back.
We would therefore not be hearing about this hint unless the evidence was quite strong. Furthermore, all 3 diagnoses are known to be side effects of other vaccines. GBS has been caused by flu vaccines. CDC identified increased cases of Bell's Palsy reported following influenza vaccination in 2004. Thrombocytopenia cases are increased after measles vaccine, according to FDA, and increased after MMR vaccines.
This increases the odds these diseases may be side effects of swine flu vaccine. Because of enhanced swine flu vaccine adverse event surveillance in multiple countries, it will be difficult for one or two countries to cover up their findings.
David Kelly post mortem to be kept secret for 70 years as doctors accuse Lord Hutton of concealing vital information / Daily Mail
The Chilcot Inquiry into the facts surrounding the decision for Great Briitain to enter the Iraq War has now been lobbed a ball it probably can't duck.
A group of physicians have asked for release of data--including autopsy reports--on the death of David Kelly. Kelly, a WMD expert, told the BBC that Blair's government had "sexed up" a report on Iraq's WMD: that there was no evidence for the claim that nuclear weapons could be sent overseas by Saddam Hussein within 45 minutes. Shortly thereafter he was found dead in the woods near his home.
His death was not explained satisfactorily. Now it turns out that Lord Hutton, who convened an earlier inquiry into Kelly's death that many regard as a cover-up, sealed all the records for 70 years. This new fact seems to clinch Hutton as a cover-upper.
Now the Chilcot hearing will almost certainly need to delve into the circumstances of Kelly's death, and behind all that is the role Labor Party leaders may have had in it. So far, Chilcot has dodged the entire issue of Kelly.
UPDATE: The TimesOnline (and other UK media) have reported that Lord Hutton will be making classified documents available to the 5 doctors investigating Kelly's death. The Times site has a nice clickable summary of the witnesses' testimony at the Chilcott hearing, where Tony Blair dodged and prevaricated on Jan. 29.
A group of physicians have asked for release of data--including autopsy reports--on the death of David Kelly. Kelly, a WMD expert, told the BBC that Blair's government had "sexed up" a report on Iraq's WMD: that there was no evidence for the claim that nuclear weapons could be sent overseas by Saddam Hussein within 45 minutes. Shortly thereafter he was found dead in the woods near his home.
His death was not explained satisfactorily. Now it turns out that Lord Hutton, who convened an earlier inquiry into Kelly's death that many regard as a cover-up, sealed all the records for 70 years. This new fact seems to clinch Hutton as a cover-upper.
Now the Chilcot hearing will almost certainly need to delve into the circumstances of Kelly's death, and behind all that is the role Labor Party leaders may have had in it. So far, Chilcot has dodged the entire issue of Kelly.
UPDATE: The TimesOnline (and other UK media) have reported that Lord Hutton will be making classified documents available to the 5 doctors investigating Kelly's death. The Times site has a nice clickable summary of the witnesses' testimony at the Chilcott hearing, where Tony Blair dodged and prevaricated on Jan. 29.
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