H1N1 Update… should you or your family members get vaccinated?

76 children in this country have died as a result of the H1N1 flu. 4-year old Isabella Ragan was one of the lucky ones to survive. This Mississippi pre-schooler was a prime example of what happens when “swine flu” goes wrong. Despite this experience, her parents have stated they probably will not immunize their younger son due to their fear of the vaccine. A third of U.S. parents agree and oppose the H1N1 vaccine fearing the side effects out weigh the effects of the flu.

A study of the insert for the H1N1 vaccine has been discussed on this site previously. My own investigation shows the following contradictions to that writer’s research. She states that a report warns that the vaccine can cause Guillian-Barre Syndrome, and infers that this information is taken from the pharmaceutical insert. That is wrong and misleading. The report she cites is from the “Pandemic Flu Online” website.

The mission statement copied directly from their website: (misspelled word underlined)

“… a collaborative effort of several health freedom, vaccine awareness, and government/pharmaceutical wathcdog individuals and organizations. Our intention is for this website to be your one stop resource for accurate information on the flu pandemic, the known dangers of the H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine in production and what you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the potential of adverse effects from mass vaccination with an experimental vaccine.”

They appear to have no medical credentials. They appear to be histrionic alarmists whose only purpose appears to be “chicken little” diatribes and collection of “donations” to support their continued propaganda.

The insert for the H1N1 vaccine states the following in reference to Guillian-Barre Syndrome:

If GBS (Guillian-Barre Syndrome) has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, the decision to give Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

NO WHERE DOES THE PACKAGE INSERT WARN THAT THE VACCINE CAN CAUSE GUILLIAN-BARRE SYNDROME.

What is Guillian-Barre syndrome? According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) website, this is a disorder of the immune system that attacks the peripheral nervous system. This disorder is rare and usually occurs after a viral or bacterial infection which suggests that certain characteristics of some viruses and bacteria may trigger the immune system inappropriately. In addition, their research shows surgery or vaccinations sometimes trigger the syndrome, not cause it. Again, Ms. Allen, where is the veracity of “your facts”? Do not muddy the H1N1 debate with your own opinion framed as research and facts.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the CDC is surprised by all the misinformation being spread on the H1N1 vaccine. Top health officials state that “the risks from not getting the swine flu [H1N1] vaccine are greater than any potential risks associated with the vaccine.”

As parents, consumers, and intelligent people it is up to us to decide whether the vaccine is appropriate for our families. But, this decision must be based on the truth and research from medical professionals not opinion or fear. The InjuryBoard is about fact, not fiction. When we create alarm based on fiction we are not performing a public service, but a disservice to those we publish to. Every mother and father should do their own research before making a decision.

The website for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a very factual portal for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) facts.

Is there a doctor in the house?

And for the kids out there, here's the H1N1 Song.