Swine Flu News

I have a question. My DS is 8, and he has had the seasonal flu shot for several years. I know he only needs one dose/shot for immunity for the seasonal flu. However, does he need one or two doses/shots for the H1N1? Since it is made the same way as the seasonal flu shot but just includes a different strain, wouldn't he just need one? Or does he need two since this is a new strain?

He needs two, because it is a new strain. The two doses should be separated by 4 weeks. :thumbsup2
 
I found this interesting. New study released today, I believe.


Swine Flu Causes Lung Failure in Healthy Young People (Update1)
By Tom Randall

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aaHE79qQ.drQ

Oct. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Swine flu caused otherwise healthy younger people to develop severe respiratory failure, a pattern of attack not seen since the 1918 flu that killed millions of people, according to three studies published today.

Severe illness from swine flu, also know as H1N1, developed rapidly in patients admitted to the hospital, especially young people, and sent previously healthy people to intensive care units, according to studies of outbreaks in Canada and Mexico published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A third study from Australia and New Zealand found some patients benefited from a machine that replenished blood oxygen levels in extremely ill patients.

** There is more to this article...click above for more information **
 
I keep hearing that the Swine Flu vax is made exactly the same way as seasonal vaccinations. I also keep hearing about the use of adjuvant. I am trying to research what the truth is and I ran across the following information. I have no idea who the doctor is, but I found the info. interesting. What he is saying is that the CURRENT vaccines do not contain an adjuvant, but that the government has contracted ALOT of them that do contain an adjuvant in the vaccine from Novartis and Glaxo Smith-Kline, and that in the future it will be used in the US. Some will say he is speculating, but if you follow the links you will see that the US has spent a lot of money on the vaccines containing adjuvants, so I speculate that it will be used here. There has NEVER been an vaccine containing an adjuvant approved in the US before. Anyway, if you are planning on having the H1N1 vaccine, you have a right to read the package insert and know which vaccine you are receiving and who the manufacturer is. Here is the article:


Safety Concerns about the H1N1 Swine flu Vaccine & Public Policy


In the 1976 swine flu vaccine program, 40 million people were vaccinated with an inadequately tested vaccine. The government gave the vaccine manufacturers immunity from liability, but created an alternative compensation program. Five thousand people sought benefits for vaccine injuries.

Today, as in 1976, official concern has focused on flu vaccine availability without regard for the safety of an H1N1 vaccine. Many national regulatory agencies have set-up fast-track approval processes for the H1N1 vaccine, which means that a vaccine might be licensed without the usual safety and efficacy data requirements. Vaccine safety will therefore have to be monitored through post-marketing surveillance.

But there is reason for concern that we will repeat the debacle of the 1976 H1N1 outbreak in the USA, where mass vaccination was associated with complications, which stopped the campaign and led to the withdrawal of the vaccine.

What's more, today, the government has NOT established an ALTERNATIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM--as it had in 1976. The existing vaccine compensation program covers only designated vaccines and does NOT cover most adult vaccines.

The U.S. government has adopted (what critics regard) a reckless policy encouraging (if not mandating) the use of untested. controversial vaccines with novel adjuvants likely to be used to strengthen vaccines and stretch the supply--they are named MF59 (Novartis) and ASO3 (Glaxo Smith-Kline). Only 3 vaccines using these adjuvants have been licensed in Europe, and none have been given a license in the US.

It is likely that these adjuvants will cause far more damage and autoimmune illness than the swine vaccine used in 1976.

Indeed, Manufacturers have been given immunity from liability, as have the government program planners. But no compensation mechanism has been created for citizens who are likely to suffer harm. This is but a tacit acknowledgement that the vaccines are likely to produce harm.

Below, AHRP board member, Dr. Meryl Nass summarizes the facts. She notes that countries need to assess carefully the risks and benefits of rapid approval of an H1N1 vaccine, especially since the disease has so far been mild with most patients making a full recovery. They must also ensure that they have strong post-marketing surveillance in place before rolling out a vaccine


Contact: Vera Hassner Sharav
212-595-8974
veracare@ahrp.org

From Dr Meryl Nass, MD

1. The USG is using laws designed for dealing with a very deadly pandemic or bioterrorism to bring in a mass vaccination program for swine flu, specifically the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act 0f 2006. See HERE

2. This law removes liability from the manufacturer, medical practitioners who use the product, and "government program planners" who decided on using the law. A suit can only be brought if the DHHS Secretary allows it, and if there is willful misconduct on the part of the manufacturer.

This law has been invoked for swine flu drugs (tamiflu and relenza). See HERE.

For swine flu vaccines, and for novel vaccine adjuvants (which may be used in vaccines to stretch the supply and possibly convey broader immunity). See HERE.

3. If testing of these products is very limited, then the manufacturers are unlikely to become aware of their flaws, and specifically their adverse effects. Then there can be no willful misconduct.

4. Due to the fear that swine flu will cause a large outbreak once students return to schools, where the virus might rapidly spread, the US government has stated that vaccine is likely to be available, and used, before clinical trials are completed. WHO says vaccine will be ready in September. Novartis began testing in humans in late July, and Sanofi-Aventis and Glaxo-Smith Kline plan to start human testing soon. See HERE

The Europeans are also planning for use before testing is completed, despite warnsings by experts about the potential dangers of untested vaccines. See HERE.

5. The adjuvants likely to be used to strengthen vaccines and stretch the supply are name MF59 (Novartis) and ASO3 (Glaxo Smith-Kline). Only 3 vaccines using these adjuvants have been licensed in Europe, and none have been given a license in the US. Two vaccines using these adjuvants are only used in people above the age of 65 (Fluad-MF59), and those with serious kidney disease (Fendrix-ASO3). Both advanced age and kidney failure weaken the immune system, so more powerful vaccines are needed, and autoimmunity is unlikely to result from a large immune stimulant. Cervarix is the third European vaccine using ASO3, and its safety is controversial.

6. The then-Acting DHHS Secretary issued an emergency declaration in response to the swine flu epidemic on April 26, 2009. This allows use of unapproved (unlicensed) medical treatments and tests, or use of approved treatments for unapproved uses.

According to the Congressional Research Service, on April 27, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued four Emergency Use Authorizations in response to requests from the CDC to make available certain drugs, diagnostic tests and respiratory protection devices. See HERE.

7. Vaccines containing MF59 and ASO3 have not had emergency use authorizations issued for them--yet. However, the government has purchased $698 million dollars' worth of these adjuvants in recent weeks. See HERE and HERE

US and WHO officials have indicated the likelihood of their use, which is the only way to achieve adequate amounts of vaccine for the US and world population in the fall.

8. These vaccines have never been demonstrated to be safe in children, pregnant women or young adults. They have not undergone comprehensive testing; for example, MF59 has not and will not be tested for carcinogenicity by the manufacturer. See HERE. See page 391 re MF59 carcinogenicity testing.

9. The result of the new bioterrorism laws (passed with the expectation of use for much more dangerous epidemics than the current swine flu), which allow use of untested products AND give manufacturers an incentive to avoid comprehensive testing (to avoid being found guilty of negligence and willful misconduct) have combined with the political imperative to provide citizens vaccines in a hurry, yielding a Perfect Storm.

In the 1976 swine flu vaccine program, 40 million people were vaccinated with an inadequately tested vaccine. The government gave the vaccine manufacturers immunity from liability, but created an alternative compensation program. Five thousand people sought benefits for vaccine injuries.

Today, untested vaccines with novel adjuvants that are likely to cause more autoimmune illness than occured in 1976 will almost certainly be used. The manufacturers have been given immunity from liability, as have the government program planners. But no compensation mechanism has been created. And the public has not been informed.

Meryl Nass, MD
Mount Desert Island Hospital
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
W 207 288-5081 ext. 1220
C 207 522-5229
H 207 244-9165
pager 207 818-0708

link

http://www.theoneclickgroup.co.uk/news.php?start=2820&end=2840&view=yes&id=3678#newspost

After looking for some more info. on Dr. Nass, I came across this:

http://georgewashington2.blogspot.com/2009/08/while-swine-flu-vaccine-has-been.html
 
I was reading through this thread. I took DS for his flu shot (turned out to be the mist). The nurse told me I was all set & they are expecting the H1NI vaccine at the end of Oct. I called today b/c DS (6) has never had the seasonal flu shot/mist prior to this & reading this thread someone copies from the CDC's recommendation that children who "never" received a seasonal flu mist get a 2nd dose of the mist 28 days later.

The nurse told me I was wrong, that they "never" give out 2 flu mists & forget about the H1N1 shot, the Dr is not giving them out or ordering them :confused: I politely asked if she could have the Dr. call me back so I can hear it from him directly.

I am totally confused now about the flu mist & the H1N!??? Personally I know 4 kids, 2 adults that have gotten the swine flu within the last month !
 

I was reading through this thread. I took DS for his flu shot (turned out to be the mist). The nurse told me I was all set & they are expecting the H1NI vaccine at the end of Oct. I called today b/c DS (6) has never had the seasonal flu shot/mist prior to this & reading this thread someone copies from the CDC's recommendation that children who "never" received a seasonal flu mist get a 2nd dose of the mist 28 days later.

The nurse told me I was wrong, that they "never" give out 2 flu mists & forget about the H1N1 shot, the Dr is not giving them out or ordering them :confused: I politely asked if she could have the Dr. call me back so I can hear it from him directly.

I am totally confused now about the flu mist & the H1N!??? Personally I know 4 kids, 2 adults that have gotten the swine flu within the last month !

I don't know how the seasonal mist works, as my children have always received the shot, (but I'm pretty sure my daughters school gives a second mist to students who received it for the first time.) but I know that when we got our H1N1 mist the nurse told me that I did not need another dose, but to keep an eye on the County Health Department website for information on when to bring my son back for his second dose. I think that most of the h1n1 vaccine will be distributed through clinics, and it has been paid for by the government, could that be why your Dr. is not ordering any?
 
Can you specify what is incorrect?

I can't find anything that's actually correct. It's all a speculative hatchet job that appears to have been written several months ago, before much was known about the vaccines and prior to the completion of their testing or their approval.
 
I don't understand why people keep saying the vaccine wasn't tested. It was! I was on the waiting list to be a part of the trial. I know people who did participate, or their children did. They tested it right here where I live.
I honestly don't know the regular time frame for a vaccine trial, is it that this one was shorter than most? Is that why people are saying it wasn't tested? Don't get me wrong, I understand the concern. I'm just trying to understand why people feel this wasn't tested.
 
I can't find anything that's actually correct. It's all a speculative hatchet job that appears to have been written several months ago, before much was known about the vaccines and prior to the completion of their testing or their approval.

Well, we know that it is correct that Novartis and Glaxo Smith-Kline are making vaccines with adjuvents and that the US has purchased them. Is it speculation that it may be used in the US, but it is a possible that they may be in the future. Otherwise, why did we spend millions of dollars on them?? The point I was making is that everyone should just check before receiving theirs.

"The FDA has approved vaccines from four manufacturers (sanofi-pasteur, Novartis, CSL Limited, and MedImmune) to prevent 2009 H1N1 influenza. All of the currently approved influenza vaccine formulations, both seasonal and 2009 H1N1, are not adjuvanted. Two influenza vaccines (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis) with adjuvants are currently under study but not approved by FDA at this time."
 
The vaccine for the Novel Type A H1N1 formerly known as the Swine Flu Virus has been tested.

My 8 year old has been part of the study group in Cincinnati Ohio. He received his second shot yesterday. There were NO side effects at all from the first one and so far nothing with the second. He also rec'd his seasonal shot 3 weeks before the first H1N1. There were no bad reactions from any of the shots he rec'd.

As soon as I can find it local for my 11 year old, I will be having him vaccinated for the Novel Type A H1N1.

This vaccine is made with the exact same base ingredients as the season shot has been made for years. The only thing that has changed is the virus seed strain. And that changes every year. Usually there are 3. This one has the 1. It is not the same as the 1976 vaccine. Please do not compare this current vaccine with the 1976 vaccine. They are apples and oranges.

I am not a health care worker or a doctor. I have no idea why some think this has been rushed through. It is made the same way as the seasonal vaccine. Nothing has changed. The concerns should be the same as the seasonal vaccine made every year. Get the facts. Make your own decisions based on those facts, not emotions.

Best of luck to everyone for staying healthy during this pandemic flu episode.
 
The vaccine for the Novel Type A H1N1 formerly known as the Swine Flu Virus has been tested.

My 8 year old has been part of the study group in Cincinnati Ohio. He received his second shot yesterday. There were NO side effects at all from the first one and so far nothing with the second. He also rec'd his seasonal shot 3 weeks before the first H1N1. There were no bad reactions from any of the shots he rec'd.

As soon as I can find it local for my 11 year old, I will be having him vaccinated for the Novel Type A H1N1.

This vaccine is made with the exact same base ingredients as the season shot has been made for years. The only thing that has changed is the virus seed strain. And that changes every year. Usually there are 3. This one has the 1. It is not the same as the 1976 vaccine. Please do not compare this current vaccine with the 1976 vaccine. They are apples and oranges.

I am not a health care worker or a doctor. I have no idea why some think this has been rushed through. It is made the same way as the seasonal vaccine. Nothing has changed. The concerns should be the same as the seasonal vaccine made every year. Get the facts. Make your own decisions based on those facts, not emotions.

Best of luck to everyone for staying healthy during this pandemic flu episode.

Glad to hear this.

I also heard on the news yesterday that the H1N1 would have been in the normal flu vaccine but it was not wide spread enough by April when the normal flu shots were being made.

They also said the normal flu shots will be is short supply, since many stopped making them to make make the H1N1.
 
Well, we know that it is correct that Novartis and Glaxo Smith-Kline are making vaccines with adjuvents and that the US has purchased them. Is it speculation that it may be used in the US, but it is a possible that they may be in the future. Otherwise, why did we spend millions of dollars on them?? The point I was making is that everyone should just check before receiving theirs.

"The FDA has approved vaccines from four manufacturers (sanofi-pasteur, Novartis, CSL Limited, and MedImmune) to prevent 2009 H1N1 influenza. All of the currently approved influenza vaccine formulations, both seasonal and 2009 H1N1, are not adjuvanted. Two influenza vaccines (manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis) with adjuvants are currently under study but not approved by FDA at this time."
Are you saying that, even though they have clearly stated that only non-adjuvant vaccine will be administered in the US and the FDA has only approved non-adjuvant vaccine for use, you believe that they are going to give you vaccine with adjuvant?
 
No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying that RIGHT NOW they are only administering vaccines that do not contain an adjuvant. However, they have purchased vaccines that DO contain adjuvant. In the future, they may be administered in the US. The government has only shipped a small amount of vaccine and the rest isn't coming until maybe Thanksgiving. At that time, when the majority of people get the vaccine, they may want to check to see which vaccine they are getting because there are several. Everyone won't be getting the same one.
 
No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying that RIGHT NOW they are only administering vaccines that do not contain an adjuvant. However, they have purchased vaccines that DO contain adjuvant. In the future, they may be administered in the US. The government has only shipped a small amount of vaccine and the rest isn't coming until maybe Thanksgiving. At that time, when the majority of people get the vaccine, they may want to check to see which vaccine they are getting because there are several. Everyone won't be getting the same one.
Given that they have stated that H1N1 vaccines administered in the US will not have adjuvants, I don't see a need to check. I'm quite sure that if they snuck in a few million doses of adjuvanted vaccine that it would hit the news (and this thread).
 
Our school nurse just called to tell me that there are confirmed cases in our school now. My son is asthmatic and she knew I have been trying to stay on top of things.
 
Our school nurse just called to tell me that there are confirmed cases in our school now. My son is asthmatic and she knew I have been trying to stay on top of things.

Will your school allow you to pull him and let him do is work at home?
 
No one is saying that the government is going to "sneak" anything to anyone. I am saying that someone who hears today that there is no adjuvant in a vaccine may assume that the same is true in six months, and at that time it may have changed.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | Modified: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

U.S. orders $690M in swine-flu vaccine from Novartis, $71M from GSKSan Francisco Business Times - by Frank Vinluan


The federal government is committing more than $800 million to buy more of the two key ingredients to make the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The money will be used to place additional orders on existing contracts with vaccine manufacturers including GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. The former Chiron Corp. facility in Emeryville is now owned by Novartis.

The government is placing orders for antigen and adjuvant. Antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine that triggers the immune system to develop antibodies to fight the H1N1 virus. Adjuvant is added to boost the immune system and reduce the amount of antigen needed for the vaccine. The vaccine ingredients will become a part of the pandemic stockpile, for use if a vaccination campaign is necessary.

Swiss company Novartis (NYSE: NVS), which is building a vaccine manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, received an order for $346 million for antigen and $343.8 million for adjuvant. London-based GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) received an order for $71.4 million of adjuvant.

In addition, Sanofi Pasteur received a $61.4 million order for antigen, and MedImmune won a $61 million order for its nasal flu spray.

“We are doing our part to be as prepared as possible for the impact that this infectious disease could have on our country,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “Vaccines may serve an important role in that preparedness.”
 
No one is saying that the government is going to "sneak" anything to anyone. I am saying that someone who hears today that there is no adjuvant in a vaccine may assume that the same is true in six months, and at that time it may have changed.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | Modified: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

U.S. orders $690M in swine-flu vaccine from Novartis, $71M from GSKSan Francisco Business Times - by Frank Vinluan


The federal government is committing more than $800 million to buy more of the two key ingredients to make the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The money will be used to place additional orders on existing contracts with vaccine manufacturers including GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. The former Chiron Corp. facility in Emeryville is now owned by Novartis.

The government is placing orders for antigen and adjuvant. Antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine that triggers the immune system to develop antibodies to fight the H1N1 virus. Adjuvant is added to boost the immune system and reduce the amount of antigen needed for the vaccine. The vaccine ingredients will become a part of the pandemic stockpile, for use if a vaccination campaign is necessary.

Swiss company Novartis (NYSE: NVS), which is building a vaccine manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, received an order for $346 million for antigen and $343.8 million for adjuvant. London-based GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) received an order for $71.4 million of adjuvant.

In addition, Sanofi Pasteur received a $61.4 million order for antigen, and MedImmune won a $61 million order for its nasal flu spray.

“We are doing our part to be as prepared as possible for the impact that this infectious disease could have on our country,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “Vaccines may serve an important role in that preparedness.”

It is my understanding that they are stockpiling these ingredients separately, not already in the vaccine. There will be a huge uproar if they add these, so I doubt it will go unnoticed by anyone planning to get a vaccine, even if that is several months from now. I also believe they wanted to have the adjuvants in case there were shortages and everyone had to have two shots. We don't have to have two shots, and so many people are planning to skip the vaccine, that there won't be shortages once the shipments start rolling in. It is possible that they could save the adjuvants for later use or donate them to countries in need of vaccine. I know they are planning to donate a certain percentage.
 















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