Your Swine Flu Vaccine Questions and Concerns for our Expert
12:03 PM October 21, 2009
Did you happen to catch 60 Minutes on Sunday evening? Correspondent Scott Pelley was granted access to the Centers for Disease Control to show how the government is responding to the H1N1 "swine flu" virus. He focused on 15-year-old Luke Duvall, a healthy high school football player who became ill with H1N1 and within days was barely clinging to life. He was on a ventilator and fighting infections that were threatening to kill him. It was enough to scare any parent to death--including me.
I called our pediatrician on Monday to inquire about the swine flu vaccine (we'd been told previously that not only did the doctor not have swine flu vaccine, she didn't have the seasonal flu vaccine) but that now yes, the office finally had some doses available. But only 200 doses, I was told, so hurry in before they run out, a nurse said.
I know there are questions and concerns about the H1N1 vaccine but for me, the potential risk of not vaccinating my children outweighs those concerns. Experts say 99-percent of the people who come down with the swine flu will just get sick and will survive the ordeal. But if we have an explosion of H1N1 illnesses this fall and winter, that means thousands of people will not survive it. I don't want to take the chance that my sons might fall into that one-percent. That's why we've decided as parents to have our children vaccinated.
I wouldn't presume to tell any other parent how to proceed or question their decisions on the vaccine if they differed from mine, but my thinking is there is risk in every medicine we give to our children and in many medical procedures. That doesn't mean we should avoid them especially when the benefit is they are protected from a potentially lethal illness.
That said, I still have questions and I suspect you do too. To that end, I invite you to submit any questions you may have by posting on this blog. We will read some of them on the air on the 1 P.M. broadcast on Thursday, October 21st and ask an expert on iinfectious diseases to answer them for you.
Posted by Frank Buckley | Permalink | Comments (26) | TrackBack (0)





Frank get a life and stop contantly bashing UCLA you are way over the top and I may stop watching channel 5 after 15 years just to not have to listen to your divisive talk IT IS OLD get professional for God's sake 9jxjkt
Posted by: P Johnson | December 02, 2009 at 08:24 AM
VIDEO: M.D. Retracts H1N1 Vaccine Advice After Reading Insert
http://labvirus.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/video-m-d-retracts-h1n1-vaccine-advice-after-reading-insert/
The following video highlights a retraction made by a medical doctor, Dr. Roby Mitchell, after he initially advised a group of nurses to take the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
Once he had read the actual package insert which comes with the vaccine and realized that the vaccine makers themselves admit it is untested and may cause a myriad of disorders to include paralysis, neurological damage, possible sterilization and may cause fetal harm in pregnant women (one of the high priority groups targeted to get the vaccine), he retracted his advice so that they would have informed consent.
His reading of the insert also revealed that an adjuvant called MF 59, which contains the Guillan-Barre ascending paralysis-causing SQUALENE, is indeed in the H1N1 vaccine after we’ve been told that adjuvants had been removed.
Posted by: jared | November 26, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Why has KTLA not reported on the deaths caused by the H1N1 vaccine? Tonight I saw yet another child who has died from the swine flu yet not one story on the people who have died from the vaccine.
Posted by: Peter | November 18, 2009 at 10:15 PM
CDC adjusts swine flu fatalities estimate.
The New York Times (11/11, A21, McNeil) reports, "About 4,000 Americans -- rather than about 1,200 -- have died of swine flu since the disease emerged in April, according to new figures being calculated by epidemiologists" at the CDC. The new estimate is "made by combining deaths from laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu and deaths that appear to be brought on by flu, even though the patient may have ultimately died of bacterial pneumonia, other infections or organ failure." A CDC spokesperson said the new estimate "will not be released until sometime next week" and "will be a more accurate comparison to the 36,000 deaths from seasonal flu each year."
Posted by: Paul Constantine | November 11, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Hi Frank. I am so pleased with your response on H1N1 vaccine. I totally agree with your perspective of getting the shot in a reasonable time because you don't know what winter has in store for us. I am 7 1/2 months pregnant with our second child and I did get the H1N1 vaccine. The shaken reaction from the community about the side effects of H1N1 is exaggerated, the nerve damage is 1 in a billion according to my OBGYN. Although two cases have been reported and splattered all over the media, people need to wake up and choose their battles, either live or die and that is what life is all about, taking risk and making sacrifice. My husband Frank and I decided not to vaccinate our 14 year old son because he has only a half functioning brain. Last year our son had over 70% of his left hemisphere of the brain removed due to intractable epilepsy. Although he remains 18 months seizure free, I am not so sure I want to risk exposing him to the vaccine because of my personal paranoia. My son has one half brain left and I'd hate for us to risk a possible regression. I advocate for those who are medically fragile and want every human life to be spared as much as possible. I guess it all comes down to praying about the situation and to be at peace when it comes to protecting our children.
Posted by: kellie4brendan | October 30, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Frank I am greatly disappointed in your comment - Regarding what the government is doing to get vaccine out. John McNary did an excellent comment on the 28th about the lack of manufacturing. Since it is private companies who are doing the manufacturing that is who you should complain about. The 'government' has elevated the awareness and pushed the manufacturers. And they came out with initial doses nearly a month earlier than originally predicted. Yes I know you worry about your children. But put the blame where it belongs. Also I am writing Mark. We only found out about the swine flu outbreak in mid spring. Not a year ago.
Posted by: Kevin Gilbert | October 28, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Your outrage about "they didn't get enough vaccine out" is just so much hot air.
Where were YOU three years ago when public health officials publicly warned the Bush administration that this nation did not have enough factories to manufacture vaccine?
Where was the news media? Oh, yeah, they were doing stories about the "dangers" of flu vaccine.
The feds rushed this vaccine out as fast as possible. The problem is that for some reason our previous federal government allowed all of the vaccine factories to be set up oversees. Public health officials warned about this problem, but no one at the White House listened.
And YOU, the media, were silent.
Posted by: John McNary | October 28, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Take some vitamins such as A (10,000 IU - 20000IU) , B6 (100mg), E (800IU) , and C (1000mg) it can help your immune system.
Posted by: analyticallaboratories | October 26, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Is this a Conspiracy up in Cadada?
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090924/flu_shot_090924/20090924?hub=H
ealth
THe flu vaccine has Thimerosal (mercury based preservative) and Vaccines: There is ample
scientific proof that ethyl mercury, added to vaccines since the 1930's, causes brain
damage. The flu vaccine still contains the full load of mercury and is given to babies
twice within their first year of life, then annually thereafter.
Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy Present Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - Shocking Vaccine Cover Up:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-Af0ar7gE4
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ysbUM5jk54
Robert F. Kennedy gives an amazing speech about government cover ups and the harmful
effects of toxins in vaccines. Part 1 of 2. Green Our Vaccines Rally.
Swine Flu Thimerosal Timeline
http://www.scribd.com/doc/18179558/Swine-Flu-Thimerosal-Timeline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last month that, “some of
the [swine flu] vaccine will be stored in multi-dose vials containing thimerosal, an
antibacterial additive that contains mercury.”
It is common knowledge that mercury is extremely toxic. Several independent studies have
solidly linked thimerosal-containing vaccines to numerous developmental and neurological
illnesses such as autism that are currently epidemic among vaccinated populations of
children.
I say lets have independant reports from other then those who are tied to big Pharma give
parents a choice...
But give them both side of the coin...
wadada
Posted by: jared | October 25, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Jeff
Are you willing to take the responsibility of some child having some adverse effect as a
result of you not letting the perant get information from both sides of the swin flu debate
so they can make an informed choice?..
Here is what Doctors and Health pros are saying..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2XbJlXiWs
What happens if some child ends up like this Cheerleader?..
http://www.generationrescue.org/desiree_jennings.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh5F5wP8RdU
It has not been fully tested and gone through the normal testing as all other drugs with the FDA and that is a Fact it has been rushed to market..
wadada
Posted by: jared | October 25, 2009 at 10:24 PM
So now Jared you're bringing the First Family into the conversation...ok.
Quoting FAUX NOISE though, come on.
You still haven't answered my main question. Are you willing to take responsibility for the death of any child who doesn't get vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine because you encouraged their parents not to get it? That's a pretty hefty responsibility there Dr. Conspiracy!
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Jeff i used the opinions of many doctor see the video of this post October 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Posted by: jared | October 25, 2009 at 12:49 PM
First Daughters Not Vaccinated Against H1N1
Anne Marie Riha
Fox News
October 25, 2009
President Obama’s school age daughters have not been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the vaccine is not available to them based on their risk.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend that children ages 6 months through 18 years of age receive a vaccination against the H1N1 flu virus. At this time only children with chronic medical conditions are receiving the vaccination because their immune system is not strong enough to fight off the strain. The CDC also says a regular seasonal flu shot does not protect against the virus.
Posted by: jared | October 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM
So Jared, you're using a person with a Phd against medical doctors? The H1N1 virus has been around for years! The vaccine is a reformulated version too, one that has had NO DEATHS.
You comparing Gardasil to the H1N1 vaccine is so completely arrogantly dangerous, that it's not even funny.
Are you willing to take full responsibility for the possible deaths of the children whose parents you personally convinced to not get the H1N1 vaccine simply because of your Conspiracy Paranoia that you spew in every single blog on here. My God how do you even venture and go out into public with the conspiracy thoughts you harbor 24/7?
So are you going to take responsibility for those children who die from the H1N1 flu because their parents would not get them vaccinated?
Sometimes your posts are so completely irresponsible that it's absolutely frightening. Absolutely frightening.
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Gary Null, Ph.D Speaking Out at the NYS Assembly Hearing | 10-13-2009 |
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3XlJB7J5-o
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch5OuzB9L48
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAgWO2yq1k8
GARY NULL, Ph.D.
For more info on Gery Null: http://www.garynull.com/GNabout.php?abtflg=0
Posted by: jared | October 24, 2009 at 07:30 PM
The CDC also said and still says that Gradasil is safe yet there have been over 5000 adverse reactions to Gardasil..
for an alternative view away from corporate main stream news here is the link to National Vaccine Information Center http://www.nvic.org/default.aspx
The manufacturers are making billions from this....
Watch this CBS report..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcHdmnTbH9Q
CDC GUESSTIMATED H1N1 CASES and REFUSED CBS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST
It really is not looking good for the CDC. Eventually after many attempts by CBS the CDC released the test results for the H1N1 cases around the USA. It turns out that the a massive percentage of test results were NOT the H1N1 swine flu. With a lot of cases it wasn't even the regular flu ! As CBS intelligently points out these exaggerated cases and statistics would have had an impact on medical treatments and hospitals resources. NOTICE how the word EPIDEMIC is used several times.
Think of the radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds" with Orson Wells...
Posted by: jared | October 24, 2009 at 10:44 AM
This past Tuesday I attended a seminar on the H1N1 vaccine and they are urging children, pregnant women and those with a compromised immune system to definitely get the shot. Now according to the officials the mist can not be given to anyone that is pregnant or is HIV+ because the mist administers a live virus into your system. The shot however does not. No one has gotten the flu from the shot vaccine, and no one has died from the shot vaccine. The children that have died, died from the H1N1 flu itself. My understanding is that if you have not had the pneumococcal vaccine for 7 - 10 years, you should get that along with the H1N1 vaccine. Most of those that have died, did so from the pneumonia they contracted from the H1N1 flu.
We were also told seniors 65 or older do not need to get the vaccine, due to the fact that they've probably built up an immunity of sorts over their years.
I found out from a Great Aunt that her father had the swine flu in 1918, so it's been around for quite awhile.
There are several sites to obtain information from for those concerned:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
http://www.flu.gov
or you can call: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Posted by: Dan | October 23, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Doctors and Health Pros Warn Against Swine Flu Vaccine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2XbJlXiWs
Posted by: jared | October 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I have had a "classic" flu only once; that was in February, 1973 after I returned from London. I lost a full weekend with fever and other classic symptoms.
I have never had a flu shot and I don't intend to have one. I also believe that "seniors" (60 and over) are *less* susceptible unless they have underlying health issues (my mother, who had COPD, did get flu shots every year).
"Flu" symptoms after a flu shot occur frequently, I think. Not sure how much is "suggestion" or how much is "real"...
Posted by: Term | October 22, 2009 at 11:27 AM
First..I love you guys...Second..my nephew received a h1n1 shot on tuesday now today he has flue like symptoms...his mother is keeping him home from school... and my mother always watches him when he is ill. Me and my boyfriend and my son all live with my mom.my son has athsma and my boyfriend has a very low immune system...Are we at risk just from his reaction to the shot??
Posted by: Cyndy Smith | October 22, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I'm 3 months pregnant and I want to know is it safe for me to get the vaccine? Can this hurt my baby during this stage? Are there any consequences?
Posted by: Andrea | October 21, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Frank:
I did catch "60 Minutes" this week. All three segments this week were informative.
Thanks for another timely blog.
Posted by: Helen | October 21, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I would like to know if this flu strain will be anything like the Spanish flu of 1918 or is the swine flu a form of the 1918 flu strain, My sister presently has the swine flu and she is very sick more so than anything I have seen in my life time.
I have heard that this strain of swine flu is in fact a form of the 1918 virus.
Can we expect that the population of the planet will be lessend by millions as the 1918 flu strain did ?
Posted by: John Laforme | October 21, 2009 at 03:28 PM
A website that post info on the swine flu you won't see in main stream news..
http://www.theflucase.com/
Posted by: Jared | October 21, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Hi Frank, I am in my early 30's and I never got a flu shot in my life... but now with the swine flu and all i am considering the swine flu vaccine...will it be safe for me? please ask the expert. domo!
Posted by: Sue | October 21, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Yes, Frank, I saw the Pelly broadcast. In fact, I emailed a copy of the link to my kids for review. They have a 3-yr-old and an 8-yr-old so I worry about the flu and possible respiratory complications that can result. Looks like kids and senior citizens are the most susceptible.
Here's the link to 60 Minutes. Pelly is the first story.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/60_minutes/video/?pid=26_uo8dJra8LiMvZNVCKUMSgYxC1mxuS&vs=Default&play=true
Posted by: jozielee | October 21, 2009 at 01:08 PM