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| Swine Flu Information; Topic started May 2009- Community Information | |
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| Topic Started: Apr 30 2009, 10:37 AM (3,983 Views) | |
| IlikeLIvonia | Oct 29 2009, 11:22 AM Post #61 |
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Fury Erupts Over H1N1 Shots for Prisoners http://www.sphere.com/2009/10/28/fury-erupts-over-h1n1-shots-for-prisoners/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sphere.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Ffury-erupts-over-h1n1-shots-for-prisoners%2F (Oct. 29) -- While children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems wait in hours-long lines for H1N1 vaccines, some of their counterparts behind bars have no such hassle. Prisoners who fall into high-risk categories for swine flu will get the shots even while some members of the general public who are not high risk must wait until more of the precious doses are available. And that has some people hopping mad. "I have twin 2-year-olds that were three months premature and a 2-month baby, and I cannot get the vaccine for them," wrote one commenter on the Web site of The Beaumont Enterprise, a Texas newspaper. "It's ridiculous that inmates would get it before people who are at high risk for it." Another added, "There is something very wrong with a government who would care for convicted criminals before hard-working taxpayers." Similar responses were reported in local news outlets in Texas from Austin to Amarillo. Massachusetts state Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford, vice chairman of the Public Health Committee, was not surprised at the response at all. "If you want to get people angry," he said, "tell them someone in prison for a very violent felony is going to get it before their grandmother in a nursing home." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to states listing categories of people who are highest priority for receiving vaccinations against the virulent influenza strain known as swine flu. Christopher Cox, spokesman for the CDC, said the high priority guidance applies to higher-risk people whether they are in a prison, a homeless shelter, a school or a nursing home. "What we're looking at is vulnerability to getting sick and dying of H1N1. That's what we're trying to prevent," he said. That has raised eyebrows in states like Massachusetts and Texas, because criminals with health issues may end up getting the shot before the general public. "Hopefully once the supplies start rolling in in greater numbers, they will be able to expand that to the general public," Cox said. But Montigny is angry that the vaccine isn't already available to the general public as the peak of the flu season bears down. He said he's not opposed to vulnerable prisoners getting the shot, but if pharmaceutical companies had done a better job, states wouldn't have to choose between the high-risk criminals and the general public for the first doses. The vaccine supply has been unable to meet demand because of production problems. Cox said 252 million doses will be available this flu season. But only 23.2 million are available so far. In Texas, for instance, prison officials requested 157,000 doses to cover all inmates, including the 45,000 who are at the front of the line because they fall in that high-priority group of pregnant women, children and those with underlying health issues. They also asked for doses to cover 41,000 staff and medical workers. Getting juveniles, pregnant inmates and those with compromised immune systems covered first is important because prisons house many people in close proximity, said Jason Clark, spokesman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. "So something like this can spread quickly," he said. But Montigny said prisons aren't the only breeding ground. Day care centers, schools, colleges and nursing homes also feature populations in close proximity. And while prisoners can get the first round of shots, their jailers cannot. The CDC's priority list includes medical workers who work in prisons, but not the rest of the correctional facility staff. |
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| Jimid | Oct 29 2009, 11:56 AM Post #62 |
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We should try to stick to the swine flu vaccine though. Although I think the concerns over vaccines should be discussed, and there is merit for some concern, maybe we should concentrate on this threat right now. Or start a new topic altogether. Lets just leave it in this topic for now, just don't stray too far from the important core...swine flu. OK, I will take this side  The risk/reward falls in favor of the vaccine for me.Don’t be misled by swine flu skeptics By PAUL SCHNEIDEREIT Tue. Oct 27 - 4:46 AM SO, what do we know about swine flu? I mean, what does the science show? What are the statistics? Is the virus’s danger being overblown? What about the vaccine — is it safe? And why are so many people, including many health care workers, planning to skip getting vaccinated? As you’re trying to figure it all out, here are some points to ponder: • Unlike seasonal flu, which hits the elderly the hardest, swine flu is instead affecting young adults and children, many otherwise healthy, in alarming numbers. A Canadian study, under the leadership of Dr. Anand Kumar of the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, found the average age of those hospitalized with swine flu was about 32, and almost two-thirds were women. The New England Journal of Medicine reported this month that pregnant women suffering from swine flu were admitted into intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand during their just completed winter at a rate nine times that normally expected based on their population. The bottom line is young people are getting severely ill, and in some cases dying, from swine flu in numbers much, much higher than those normally stricken by seasonal flu. • A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found swine flu kills people by depriving their blood of oxygen, which, in the most severe cases, leads to organ failure and death. The virus attacks the lungs, in many cases in young adults, which can lead to respiratory failure. The good news is that antiviral drugs and mechanical ventilators are often effective in saving lives. But not always. • While it’s true that seasonal flu kills far more people than have so far died from swine flu worldwide, two things should be remembered. First, this hemisphere is just entering its flu season. Second, children and young adults are already dying in numbers greater than you’d expect from seasonal flu. • Fears about the vaccine range from the understandable to the paranoid. Fact: The H1N1 vaccine is not some new, never-before-tried approach to immunizing people. Countless medical experts have made these points: The H1N1 virus is influenza. We’ve been making influenza vaccines for decades. Those vaccines already change from year to year, depending on what strains are out there. The swine flu vaccine is just another flu shot, in this case extremely well matched to the strain of virus being targeted — which means it’ll likely have a high success rate — and certainly not unsafe. • Some people dispute flu shots work at all. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control acknowledges studies have shown that the effectiveness of seasonal flu shots is lower in the elderly, meaning people over age 70. That’s no surprise. People’s immune systems are not as robust as they age. But the CDC correctly points out that flu shots are still a good idea for the elderly, as some protection is better than none. In the case of swine flu, young people — whose immune systems benefit the most from flu shots — have been shown to be at greater risk. Some critics, even doctors, say no proper random clinical trials have ever shown even regular flu shots work. That appears to be dead wrong. The CDC lists quite a few studies conducted over the years that show flu shots do work, in fact from 70 to 90 per cent of the time. • Some skeptics say swine flu vaccines are just making drug companies rich. OK, who else do you want making vaccines? Companies exist to make money. That doesn’t mean we don’t ever need what they’re selling. I’m not discounting that there’s marketing and hype in pharmaceuticals, like many other industries. But I’m not going to forswear all medicines because Big Pharma is making a profit. If they weren’t making a profit, they wouldn’t be making the stuff. In other words, if there’s proof swine flu’s a hoax and those people who died were misdiagnosed, let’s talk about a conspiracy. Otherwise, it’s a dangerous argument to make when people’s health could be protected with a swine flu shot. Flu shots work best when everybody gets one. It’s called herd immunity. Not getting one increases everyone’s risk. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1149653.html |
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| Jimid | Oct 29 2009, 12:02 PM Post #63 |
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The nasal spray doesn't contain thermisol. It is however, the live virus. I haven't found anything on a serious illness caused by the nasal spray yet. I will give it to my kids when it is avaliable. But they are healthy and active, so I wont rush. There is this on the CDC website..... Seasonal Flu and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Questions & Answers What is GBS? Guillain-Barré (pronounced ghee-YAN bah-RAY) syndrome is a disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells (outside of the brain and spinal cord), resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS can last for weeks to months. Most people eventually recover completely or nearly completely, but some people have permanent nerve damage and between 5% and 6% of people who develop GBS die. GBS affects people of both sexes and all ages, and has been reported in all races. What causes GBS? It is thought that GBS may be triggered by an infection. The infection that most commonly precedes GBS is caused by a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni. Other respiratory or intestinal illnesses and other triggers may also precede an episode of GBS. In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/gbs.htm |
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| Whatever | Oct 29 2009, 12:45 PM Post #64 |
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Dr. Nancy Snyderman: Trust your government and get your damn vaccine! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbGHiGXN0RU Edited by Whatever, Oct 29 2009, 01:07 PM.
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| Anna Krome | Oct 29 2009, 04:19 PM Post #65 |
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Jim: "It is however, the live virus." I asked my kids' doc about the live virus nasal, and he told me that the chicken pox vaccine and others have a "live" virus. I don't understand the medicine involved. AK |
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| Vanna White | Oct 29 2009, 04:56 PM Post #66 |
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One of the posts above calls the measles a mild disease. As someone that spent many days in the hospital and almost died from the measles before the vaccine was available, I beg to differ. Today children are most likely to die in accidents, but before vaccines they were much more at risk from infectious diseases. Certainly some of these diseases can be mild in many cases, but there are also cases that are more severe, which is why vaccines were developed in the first place. Unless you have the data about the likelihood of catching a particular disease and the percentage of people with the disease that die or have serious complications to compare with the likelihood and seriousness of any risks from the vacination, you just are not seeing the whole picture. While there are a very small number of cases of bad reactions from vaccines, many if not most of those reactions are also significant risks if you get the actual disease. You have to be very careful about sources when doing research. Getting medical information from YouTube, CNN and 60 Minutes, radio talk show hosts like Gary Null, on line so-called "health information" web sites from questionsable or unknown sources, even though they may be interviewing or quoting physicians or quoting a particular study, are not really the right sources of information if you want the real deal about vaccine safety or any other health issue. The National Vaccine Safety Center is basically a consumer watchdog group and, although their purpose seems admirable and I am sure they are well-intended, they are not the source to use for scientific information. While most physicians are honest, motivated by what is best for patients and look to reliable data to make decisions, it is also true that there are a few that are not so honest, may have a conflict of interest, are incompetent, etc. Stories are powerful, so when we hear about a child that has suffered or may have suffered a bad outcome after an injection, it scares us as parents. But perhaps we need to look back in history and think about what it was like when polio, smallpox, measles and other contagious and potentially serious viral illnesses were rampant. There were pandemic flus in the past that killed millions. The 1918 flu killed between 10 and 20 percent of those infected and conservative estimates put the number at 50 million deaths world wide. I am not saying this year's is at that level, but already many more have died than usual this early in the flu season. If you have the inclination, look at published double blind studies in medical journals, web sites of reputable health care systems or talk to a board certified specialist in the specific field. As to the effectiveness of swine flu or other vaccines or the risks from the diseases they are meant to prevent, I would start with physicians working at reputable health systems or hospitals who are board certified specialists in Infectious Disease or those with doctorates in Epidemiology who have compiled the data about the flu. The certainly exist outside of the CSC if you don't trust this government agency. |
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| uh-oh | Oct 29 2009, 09:12 PM Post #67 |
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Sorry Vanna, but I have to disagree with you again. The fact of the matter is that there are NO long term clinical studies measuring the effects of multiple vaccines on children. There is a new 'blockbuster' study coming of U of PA--Dr. Andrew Wakefield I think, looking at the effects of Hep-B and other vacs in monkeys. You can get more info here: http://www.naturalnews.com/026827_autism_vaccination_vaccines.html or http://www.ageofautism.com/2009/09/blockbuster-primate-study-shows-significant-harm-from-one-birth-dose-of-a-mercurycontaining-vaccine.html?cid=6a00d8357f3f2969e20120a605d2f3970c Although the FDA and the CDC (and our Docs who are their mouthpieces) say vaccines are safe, there is no evidence to suggest this is true. There have neve been any studies on the cummulative effect of the preservatives in vaccines. Nor have there been any studies on multiple vaccines In fact, the primate study above is the first to ever test the possible effects, of which they found many. Many Doc's were reccomending that thimerosal be pulled over a decade ago. Most physicians continued to administer the vaccines with the preservative, and now the vaccine injury numbers have exploded, just like the autism, LD, and ADHd numbers. Finally, it was pulled, but still can be found in trace amounts in most vaccines. You want me trust these people with my kids? I cannot. Doctors are not God, and they make mistakes=lots of mistakes. It would be nice if you could look at clinical studies to formulate an opinion, but there really aren't any. I am not worried about one individual vaccine, it the multiple injections and 'cocktail injections' that concern me--and many others. I encourage people to look at history--check the number of vaccines that were given in the 60's and 70's vs. today and their ingredients. It's not enough just to listen to what your doctor says. People must do their research, and make the best decision they can. As a side note, this study was just released a couple of weeks ago, and hasn't even been published yet. Here is the abstract though, and if you Google it, you will find thousands of references... (also, it is part of a larger study investigation the effects of multiple vacs) Abstract: This study examined whether acquisition of neonatal reflexes and sensorimotor skills in newborn rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is influenced by receipt of the single neonatal dose of Hepatitis B (HB) vaccine containing the preservative thimerosal (Th). HB vaccine containing a standardized weight-adjusted Th dose was administered to male macaques within 24 hours of birth (n=13). Unexposed animals received saline placebo (n=4) or no injection (n=3). Infants were raised identically and tested daily for acquisition of 9 survival, motor, and sensorimotor reflexes by a blinded observer. In exposed animals there was a significant delay in the acquisition of three survival reflexes: root, snout and suck, compared with unexposed animals. No neonatal responses were significantly delayed in unexposed animals compared with exposed. Gestational age (GA) and birth weight were not significantly correlated. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the main effects and interactions of exposure with birth weight and GA as independent predictors and time-invariant covariates. Significant main effects remained for exposure on root and suck when controlling for GA and birth weight such that exposed animals were relatively delayed in time-to-criterion. There was a significant effect of GA on visual follow far when controlling for exposure such that increasing GA was associated with shorter time-to-criterion. Interaction models indicated that while there were no main effects of GA or birth weight on root, suck or snout reflexes there were various interactions between exposure, GA, and birth weight such that inclusion of the relevant interaction terms significantly improved model fit. This, in turn, indicated important influences of birth weight and/or GA on the effect of exposure which, in general, operated in a way that lower birth weight and/or lower GA exacerbated the detrimental effect of vaccine exposure. This primate model provides a possible means of assessing adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes from neonatal Th-containing HB vaccine exposure, particularly in infants of lower GA or low birth weight. The mechanism of these effects and the requirements for Th is not known and requires further study. in Dr. Andrew Wakefield, Mark Blaxill, Science, Vaccines | Permalink |
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| IlikeLIvonia | Oct 29 2009, 09:36 PM Post #68 |
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http://vaers.hhs.gov/index The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety surveillance program co-sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS is a post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after the administration of vaccines licensed for use in the United States. VAERS provides a nationwide mechanism by which adverse events following immunization may be reported, analyzed, and made available to the public. VAERS also provides a vehicle for disseminating vaccine safety-related information to parents and guardians, health care providers, vaccine manufacturers, state vaccine programs, and other constituencies. It's estimated that only 1-2% of serious adverse vaccine associated reactions are reported to VAERS. Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Oct 29 2009, 09:51 PM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Oct 29 2009, 09:46 PM Post #69 |
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http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/table.htm U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program About VICP On October 1, 1988, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-660) created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP was established to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, stabilize vaccine costs, and establish and maintain an accessible and efficient forum for individuals found to be injured by certain vaccines. The VICP is a no-fault alternative to the traditional tort system for resolving vaccine injury claims that provides compensation to people found to be injured by certain vaccines. The U. S. Court of Federal Claims decides who will be paid. Three Federal government offices have a role in the VICP: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (the Court). The VICP is located in the HHS, Health Resources and Services Administration, Healthcare Systems Bureau, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation. Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund The Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund (Trust Fund) provides funding for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to compensate vaccine-related injury or death claims for covered vaccines administered on or after October 1, 1988. The Trust Fund is funded by a $0.75 excise tax on each dose of vaccine purchased (i.e., each disease prevented in a dose of vaccine). For example, the excise tax imposed on a dose of trivalent influenza vaccine is $0.75 because it prevents one disease, whereas the excise tax imposed on a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is $2.25 because prevents three diseases. The taxable vaccines have also been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children. The Department of Treasury collects the excise taxes, and oversees and manages the investing activities for the Trust Fund. As of January 31, 2007, the Trust Fund balance was nearly $2.5 billion. The Trust Fund monthly reports are available on the Treasury’s Bureau of Public Debt Website. Vaccine Injury Table The Vaccine Injury Table (Table) makes it easier for some people to get compensation. The Table lists and explains injuries/conditions that are presumed to be caused by vaccines. It also lists time periods in which the first symptom of these injuries/conditions must occur after receiving the vaccine. If the first symptom of these injuries/conditions occurs within the listed time periods, it is presumed that the vaccine was the cause of the injury or condition unless another cause is found. For example, if you received the tetanus vaccines and had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) within 4 hours after receiving the vaccine, then it is presumed that the tetanus vaccine caused the injury if no other cause is found. If your injury/condition is not on the Table or if your injury/condition did not occur within the time period on the Table, you must prove that the vaccine caused the injury/condition. Such proof must be based on medical records or opinion, which may include expert witness testimony. Covered Vaccines The following vaccines are covered by the VICP: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP, DTaP, Tdap, DT, Td, or TT) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Hepatitis A (HAV) Hepatitis B (HBV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) Influenza (TIV, LAIV) [given each year during the flu season] Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR, MR, M, R) Meningococcal (MCV4, MPSV4) Polio (OPV or IPV) Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) Rotavirus (RV) Varicella (VZV) Any combination of the vaccines above Additional vaccines may be added in the future Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Oct 29 2009, 09:59 PM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Oct 30 2009, 11:19 AM Post #70 |
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We all should be concerned about Project BioShield Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–276; "the Act" http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/13/7/1046.htm Abstract: The US Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a critical new tool for medical and public health communities and is applicable for both civilian and military use. It fills the need for timely and practical medical treatment under emergency conditions and authorizes use of the best product available for treatment or prevention when the relevant product has not already been approved or approved for this specific use by the US Food and Drug Administration. The need for and genesis of the EUA, its requirements, its broad application to civilian and military populations, and its features of particular importance to physicians and public health officials are detailed. As Americans, we should have to right make an informed choice. Research the benefits and risks of vaccination. There are risks either way and you are the one that will have to live with the consequences. Get all the facts and decide if vaccination is right for you and your family. Keep in mind doctors cannot warn you about what they themselves do not know. Medicine is a field which demands conformity; there is little tolerance for opinions opposing the status quo. Those few that dare to question the medical establishment are frequently ostracized, and in any case, they are still legally bound to adhere to the system's legal mandates. Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Oct 30 2009, 11:28 AM.
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| Xena | Oct 31 2009, 03:10 PM Post #71 |
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On a personal note. My nephew in Ohio just spent almost two weeks in the hospital with complications from H1N1. He was very close to dying. It has scared the living s*** out of everone in our family. He is 7 years old and has three brothers who also had H1N1 but did not develope complications. Like many on here I too and concerns about the vaccine. But after what we just went through my kids are getting vaccinated. The reality is we could lose our children very quickly to this flu. |
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| Vanna White | Oct 31 2009, 03:40 PM Post #72 |
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It's all about weighing the odds. Vaccine side effects do happen and on rare occasion, they might be serious. But you have to weigh that risk against the risks associated with the illness to make the best decision. I hope your nephew is okay. |
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 1 2009, 11:24 AM Post #73 |
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Making the decision to get vaccinated October 20, 2009 4:59 PM WEST MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A recent poll of Michigan voters showed that seven out of ten are not planning to get the H1N1 vaccine or are unsure of their decision. Most first responders and health care workers don't have a choice in the matter, the state is currently working to get them all vaccinated. The first public vaccinations have also begun for people in priority categories. The biggest group being currently targeted is young people, kids six months to 24 years old. At the Calhoun County Health Department, there were lines to the door on Tuesday. For many parents, the sudden rash of school closings have raised the alert level, sending them to flu clinics and calling their pediatricians, seeking out the H1N1 vaccine. It was a similar situation in Kalamazoo, where Sarah Scholten got her two-year-old vaccinated for both the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Scholten brought both her daughters into Pro-Med Pediatrics on Tuesday. The director of pediatrics for Borgess Ambulatory Care, Becky Cross, says that as schools started shutting down on Monday, nervous parents started calling. "I think it's spurred even more concern in the community then what was out there before," said Cross. The office there is working to treat sick kids and to keep those waiting for vaccinations from getting sick themselves. "We've added extra doctors into the schedules to get additional patients in as well as we have staff sick too," said Cross. Christie Pearce brought her two and a half year old in for the H1N1 mist. "It's better to be safe then sorry," said Pearce. "Want to make sure my daughter is safe." Like the H1N1 vaccine, the seasonal flu shots have been coming in sporadically. Some offices are even running out of the seasonal flu vaccine, like the Calhoun County Health Department. http://www.wwmt.com/articles/michigan-1368372-0in-newschannel.html It's about informed choice. Michigan is one of the states that allows you to object for philosophical reasons(OTHER)/religious/medical reasons. You need to sign a waiver. It's the law. Should this vaccine(or others)become mandatory, know your rights. The term OR OTHER OBJECTION TO IMMUNIZATION means that you as an individual or parent have the right to choose whether or not to vaccinate your child. The statute does not require you to disclose what other objection to immunization is. As with any medical decision, the decision to vaccinate or not is a right of the individual or parent. The State of Michigan, your doctor and public health employees cannot force you or your child to be vaccinated. Your child cannot be excluded from a school or public program because you have exercised your right not to vaccinate. Click for Michigan waiver: http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/NR/rdonlyres/F564C3B8-571F-43F2-9898-161D6ABD1846/51134/SS_Imm_Waiver_2009.pdf Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Nov 1 2009, 11:40 AM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 1 2009, 11:35 AM Post #74 |
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Nurses will sue New York over mandated vaccinations By Joe Byrne Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 -- 7:17 pm The elderly, the young, and the frequently exposed are being advised to get vaccinated against H1N1 flu virus this year, due to predictions of a possible influenza epidemic. A new law in New York requires nurses and doctors to receive the vaccination by the end of November. A band of four nurses in Albany, however, is taking a stand against mandated vaccination. “I have had more staff that have become ill after the flu vaccines this year than coworkers that have actually come down with the illness," Lorna Patterson, a nurse at Albany Medical Center's emergency room, told news network WTEN. Patterson is one of the nurses who is filing a lawsuit this week against the state. She and her coworkers hope that they can stop the state from enforcing the mandatory vaccinations. Currently, New York is telling health care workers that if they aren't vaccinated by October 27th , they face a week's suspension without pay; any employee not vaccinated by the state deadline, November 30th, will be terminated. "Receiving the vaccine doesn't mean you're not going to get the flu," Patterson adds. She claims that she has only received an influenza vaccination once in 28 years of nursing and for the most part prefers 'proper hygiene' over a vaccine. A coworker, Katheryn Dupuis, feels similarly wary about the H1N1 vaccine. "We're going to lose our jobs if we do not get this vaccine," Dupuis says. "There are hundreds of coworkers of ours that feel just as strongly against the vaccine." Story continues below... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The resistance to mandated vaccination stems from the speedy discovery, research, and approval process that the H1N1 vaccine passed through after this past year's swine flu scare. The nurses filing suit claim that the vaccine was “rushed”. Many vaccines face a year of testing and research before they are available to the public, but the H1N1 vaccine was put into massive production more quickly than most. One of the only vaccines to be required for health care workers is also one of the least tested. So far, the nurses count 466 signatures on their circulating petitions against the state mandate. A rally on Wednesday on the steps of the state capitol is expected to grab more signatures and the attentions of lawmakers. More information on the mandated vaccination law and the nurses' protest can be found here: http://www.wten.com/Global/story.asp?S=11299035 Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Nov 1 2009, 11:37 AM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 2 2009, 07:24 AM Post #75 |
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Oct 16, 2009 1:15 pm US/Central H1N1 Vaccine Mandate For NY Health Workers Blocked http://cbs11tv.com/national/health.workers.h1n1.2.1252752.html Health care workers in New York will no longer be forced to get the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, CBS station WCBS-TV has learned. A state Supreme Court judge issued a restraining order Friday against the state from enforcing the controversial mandatory vaccination.Three parties – the Public Employees Federaion, New York State United Teachers, and an attorney representing four Albany nurses – challenged the order and for now the vaccination for nurses, doctors, aides, and non-medical staff members who might be in a patient's room will remain voluntary. New York was the first state in the country to initially mandate flu vaccinations for its health care workers, but many health care workers quickly protested against the ruling. In Hauppauge, workers outside a local clinic screamed "No forced shots!" when the mandate came down at the end of September. "I don't even tend to the sick. I am in the nutrition field. They are telling me I must get the shot because I work in a health clinic setting," said Paula Small, a Women, Infants and Children health care worker. Small said she would refuse to be vaccinate, worried the vaccine is untested and unproven, leaving her vulnerable. In 1976, there were some deaths associated with a swine flu vaccination. Registered nurse Frank Mannino, 50, was also angry. He said the state regulation violates his personal freedom and civil rights. "And now I will lose my job if I don't take the regular flu shot or the swine flu shot." When asked if he's willing to lose his job, Mannino said, "Absolutely. I will not take it, will not be forced. This is still America." The protest also shook Albany. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded freedom of choice. After all, as health care professionals, they argue they're already constantly washing their hands and aren't likely to transmit or contract the flu. Around 500,000 health care workers would have been slated to receive the vaccine "It's certainly their prerogative to voice their opinion," said Dr. Susan Donelan of Stony Brook University Hospital. Donelan said most in the medical community see the benefits and safety of the shots and welcome them, and that hospitals must obey the law. "Our hospital is committed to following the mandate to have our personnel vaccinated," she said. The state said change was needed this year to save lives. Typically only about 45 percent of health care workers take advantage of voluntary flu vaccines. More than 150 institutional outbreaks of seasonal and H1N1 flu are expected this year in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice centers. There is also a strong resistance to the vaccine from the general public. A new Harvard University poll shows that only four in 10 adults intend to take the vaccine themselves, and only six in 10 plan to give it to their children. (© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Nov 2 2009, 07:25 AM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 2 2009, 09:10 AM Post #76 |
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H1N1 Striking Children With Disabilities Hard, Officials Say By Michelle Diament October 9, 2009 The number of children who have died from the H1N1 virus is “increasing substantially,” health officials said Friday, and children with disabilities and underlying medical conditions appear to be hardest hit. Already 76 children have died from H1N1, or swine flu, this year and the flu season is just beginning. Flu season traditionally lasts until May. The number of deaths is especially striking given that fewer than 90 children died in each of the last three years from seasonal flu. Most of the children who have died from the H1N1 flu strain had disabilities or underlying health conditions, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. “The majority of children that we have information on had an underlying disease,” according to Anne Schuchat, head of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “Among children, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy are quite prominent.” These findings are consistent with a CDC report released in September, which indicated that two-thirds of children who died from H1N1 during the spring and summer had a chronic illness or developmental disability. Officials say they are hopeful that the threat of the virus will begin to subside as the swine flu vaccine becomes more readily available, but they do expect more deaths in the coming weeks. The first doses of the vaccine were administered this week, but only a nasal spray version was available. The nasal spray contains a weakened live version of the flu virus. An injection version of the vaccine, which does not include the live virus, is expected next week. Individuals with developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and developmental delay are considered to be at high risk for H1N1, especially if they have respiratory issues as well. Those who are at high risk are first in line for the vaccine, CDC officials say, but are advised to wait for the injection version. Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/10/09/h1n1-disability/5748/ Questions and Answers: NEJM article "Hospitalized Patients with 2009 H1N1 Influenza in the United States- April-June 2009" October 23, 2009, 12:00 PM ET What was the purpose of this study? The purpose of this study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) was to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 flu virus infections in the United States during April through June 2009. This article is available online at NEJM.org. How was this study conducted? CDC researchers, in collaboration with state public health departments, analyzed the clinical characteristics of 272 patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 flu virus infections in the United States from April to mid-June 2009. Cases were defined as any person hospitalized for 24 hours or more with influenza-like illness (ILI)* and who tested positive for 2009 H1N1 by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)**. What were the different age groups of hospitalized patients? Unlike seasonal flu, few cases of severe illness associated with 2009 H1N1 have been reported among people 65 years of age and older. In fact only 5% of patients hospitalized in this study were 65 years of age or older. In comparison, this group makes up more than 60% of the seasonal flu hospitalizations in the U.S. each year. Forty-five percent of the patients hospitalized in this study were children younger than 18 years old, and 50% were adults, ages18 to 64. How many of the hospitalized patients had underlying medical conditions? A large proportion (73%) of patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 had one or more underlying conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, or neurologic disease, or pregnancy. Asthma was the most common underlying medical condition, and was found in 29% of children and 27% of adults. Although underlying medical conditions were common, severe illness among young healthy persons was also identified. Is obesity considered an underlying medical condition that puts people at higher risk for 2009 H1N1-related complications? Although at this time obesity has not been linked with increased risk for 2009 H1N1 flu-related complications, this study shows that further investigation is warranted. Although data regarding height and weight were available for only 70% of patients in the study, 45% of these patients were either obese or morbidly obese, based on chart abstractions. However, the majority (81%) of these patients had an underlying condition known to increase their risk for flu-related complications. For adults included in the study, the prevalence of obesity (29%) was comparable to the estimated obesity prevalence in the adult U.S. population (27%). However, the prevalence of morbid obesity (26%) was higher than the estimated (5%) in the adult U.S. population. What symptoms did hospitalized patients have? Symptoms on presentation to a health care provider included fever (95%) and cough (88%). Diarrhea or vomiting was reported in 39% of patients, including 42% of children and 37% of adults. The average time from the start of illness to hospital admission was 3 days. What type of treatments did hospitalized patients receive? About 75% of hospitalized patients received flu antiviral medicines. Of these patients, 188 received oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and 19 received zanamivir (Relenza). Antiviral therapy began an average of three days from the start of illness. Thirty-nine percent of patients received antiviral drugs within 48 hours of illness onset. Delays in therapy were associated with severe outcomes, such as death and admittance into the ICU. Two-hundred and six patients received antibiotic treatment. Commonly used antibiotics included ceftriaxone, azithromycin, vancomycin, and levofloxacin. Seventy-three percent of patients with radiographs consistent with pneumonia were treated with antiviral drugs, and 97% were treated with antibiotics. How many hospitalized patients were admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? Sixty-seven hospitalized patients were admitted to an ICU. The average age of those admitted was 29 years. Forty-five (67%) of these patients had an underlying medical condition, including pregnancy. Among these patients, the average time from the beginning of the illness to the start of antiviral therapy was 6 days. Only 23% of patients admitted into the ICU or who died received antiviral drugs within 48 hours of illness onset. How many hospitalized patients died? Seven percent (19) of the hospitalized patients died, all of whom had been admitted to an ICU and required mechanical ventilation. The average age of the patients who died was 26 years. Thirteen (68%) of the patients had an underlying medical condition, including neurologic disease, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pregnancy. The average time from the start of illness to death was 15 days. ICU patients and patients who died were more likely than non-ICU patients who survived to have shortness of breath, a neurologic disorder, radiographically confirmed pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis, and were more likely to have received antivirals, antibiotics, or steriods. Also, ICU patients and those who died were older and had a longer time between start of illness and the beginning of antiviral treatment. How many of the patients who died received antiviral medications? Of the 19 patients who died, 90% received antiviral drugs, and all received antibiotics. The average time from the start of illness to the beginning of antiviral therapy was 8 days. None of the patients who died received antiviral therapy within 48 hours after the beginning of symptoms. *ILI is defined as fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) and a cough and/or a sore throat in the absence of a KNOWN cause other than influenza **For more information on rRT-PCR and testing for flu, see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/diagnostic_testing_public_qa.htm http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/NJEM_QA.HTM Edited by IlikeLIvonia, Nov 2 2009, 09:11 AM.
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 2 2009, 04:48 PM Post #77 |
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Hand Sanitizers: What You Don't Know Getty Images By Stephanie Tweito Jacob We all know that having clean hands is one way to prevent seasonal cold and flu viruses, including H1N1 swine flu. But should you wash with soap and water, or coat your hands with disinfecting gel from one of those dispensers that seem to be appearing in more and more restrooms, offices, hallways and stores? If your hands aren't actually grimy, the best way to clean them is to use hand sanitizer, James Scott, a microbiologist at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health told "Best Health Magazine." "It reduces the bacterial burden to a greater extent than soap and water," he said. "And your hands stay cleaner longer than if you were to use soap and water." The waterless gels and foams have also been found to be effective in preventing the spread of viral and bacterial-based diseases like seasonal colds and flus. One study found that college students with hand-sanitizer dispensers in their dorms had fewer complaints of coughs, chest congestion and fever. Plus their risk of getting sick was 20 percent lower than students whose dorms did not have the dispensers. But the hand sanitzers must contain 60 percent or more alcohol, according to the FDA. Skim past the "kills 99.9% of bacteria" claim on the package and instead be certain that the active ingredient listed is either ethanol or isopropanol, at a percentage over 60. They also must be used correctly. Make sure hands are free of visible grime and dirt and then apply a palm-full of product and rub vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds, making sure to distribute the sanitizer between your fingers, under your nails and jewelry, on your wrists and on the backs of each hand. Never rinse your hands with water or wipe them with a towel after using a hand sanitizer -- this will counteract the effect of the product. Another gold star for hand sanitizers: They tend to be gentler on skin than soap and water. Despite their high alcohol content, which is often thought to make creams and gels drying, one study found alcohol-based hand sanitizers left skin in better condition than antibacterial soap. "Most of the modern hand sanitizers have emollients in them that will actually improve skin condition," Scott said. But, don't toss your soap dispenser just yet. While the high alcohol content of hand sanitizers can kill bacteria, it doesn't necessarily clean your hands. That is, it does not cut thorough grime like dirt, blood, feces or other bodily fluids. Therefore, soap and water must be the first choice in restrooms. It is also essential in the kitchen as alcohol doesn't kill the foodborne bacteria E. Coli as well as soap and water does. The best way to wash your hands with soap and water is to rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing front and backs of hands, wrists, and between fingers and under fingernails, according to the Mayo Clinic. Rinse well, dry hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer and, if possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet. http://www.aolhealth.com/health/fall-health/hand-sanitizer-antibacterial-soap?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealth%2Ffall-health%2Fhand-sanitizer-antibacterial-soap |
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| IlikeLIvonia | Nov 6 2009, 11:05 AM Post #78 |
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Desiree Jennings: A Flu Shot Gone Wrong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYUg_oICIUo&feature=player_embedded Courtesy of Desiree Jennings By Mary Kearl You may have heard news reports about 25-year-old Desiree Jennings, the girl with the severe reaction to the seasonal flu shot. Her symptoms -- the inability to walk forward, but the ability to run forward and walk backwards -- even appeared as Google Trends, with searches related to her condition. Some believed it was all just a hoax. Her story is garnering celebrity attention, too -- Generation Rescue, the organization founded by Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy to raise awareness about health and safety issues related to vaccines -- has reached out to support Jennings. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises against getting a flu shot if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot. Additionally, if you have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome -- a condition which includes symptoms of fever, nerve damage and muscle weakness -- that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine, you shouldn't get the seasonal flu shot. The risk of "serious harm" or death from a flu shot, the CDC's Web site explains, "is extremely small. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Almost all people who get influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it." Jennings, a Northern Virginian and AOL Employee (Full disclosure: This reporter and Desiree Jennings have never worked together before this interview.), who was healthy, training for a half marathon and a Washington Redskins Ambassador preparing to become a cheerleader, never suspected the health complications she is living with now. She is suffering from acute, viral post immunization encephalopathy and mercury toxicity with secondary respiratory and neurological deficits, which she believes is the direct result of the seasonal vaccination she received from her local grocery store chain in August 2009. Initial reports and diagnoses indicated Jennings had dystonia, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that are sometimes painful. But, as of the most recent interview, Jennings's treating physician believes she has acute, viral post immmunization encephalopathy, or a disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure and can include memory loss and personality changes. In an interview with AOL Health, Jennings, she explains her diagnosis and how her life is forever changed. Watch the video below to hear Jennings talk about her condition. AOL Health: How were you feeling before you got your seasonal flu shot this year? What motivated you to get it? Desiree Jennings: I was feeling great, very strong and healthy. I had just started training for a half marathon and was up to about seven miles by the time I went to get a flu shot. I was motivated by a health program at work that rewards employees for doing health-smart things like working out, getting your cholesterol checked and receiving the flu shot each year. AOL Health: How did you feel in the initial hours and days after receiving it? Jennings: After [getting] the shot on August 23, with the exception of a sore arm, I felt fine over the next nine days. On day 10, and on my two-year wedding anniversary, I became very ill with a fever, painful body aches and nausea. From that day forward, everything quickly went down hill. AOL Health: Can you describe your symptoms and some of the "workarounds" you've found helpful in overcoming/minimizing them? Jennings: The symptoms started with the inability to talk and walk normally. At first, the walking and talking were manageable. Most of the time I could use sensory tricks [such as] touching my chin to talk or touching my left leg to walk, or walking backwards/sideways. But, as each day passed the sensory tricks slowly began to stop working as did the backwards/sideways walking. That is when I began to notice that stimuli, such as a loud noise, bright lights, reading, or even eating, would worsen the symptoms and throw me into violent convulsions. The symptoms continued to worsen and my health deteriorated even further to the point where I could not move my tongue to eat without going into a convulsion or seizure. AOL Health: You've been very public about your symptoms and what happened to you since taking a flu shot. Why has that been important to you? Jennings: I am a very open person to begin with and I believe that having that openness towards my symptoms and experiences not only helped me get answers to my questions and a diagnosis, but will hopefully help educate and provide hope for other people in similar situations. AOL Health: There have been some rumors online about people wondering if your symptoms and one of your initial diagnoses, dystonia, have all been a fraud. How have you reacted? Jennings: I have been appalled to say the least. I have even received threatening e-mails from another well-known person suffering from dystonia. I have never heard of the disabled harassing the disabled. I was a couple months away from a promotion at work, had just made the Redskins Cheerleader Ambassador team, was celebrating my two year wedding anniversary and had recently paid off all credit card debt and car loans. My perfect life has now been completely turned upside down. I am now on short-term disability, my paychecks have been cut, and will be cut again in a few weeks, and we are paying thousands in out of pocket medical costs. What incentive would a person have to completely change their life for the worse? I always told myself that if I ever were to become well-known it would be for something I accomplished, being the fastest runner or best editor and writer, not for being the most injured or a one-in-a-million victim. That is not an accomplishment, in my opinion, it's a failure. AOL Health: How has your work and home life changed since getting the flu shot? Jennings: It has been turned upside down. I worry that I may never be able to return back to my career that I have cultivated, grown and cherished since I was 18 years old. And my home life is a frenzy of activity and stress -- dealing with appointments, treatment options and media, all while simply trying to find normalcy in my new day-to-day activities. AOL Health: Has your idea of your future changed? Jennings: My idea of the future had definitely changed. All the things I worked so hard to accomplish and obtain now seem mundane and meaningless in the whole scheme of things. This injury has opened my eyes to so many things I was too busy to stop and pay attention to before. I have received so many letters and e-mails from people I have never met that speak of similar injuries and neurological issues and my heart goes out to each one of them. I wish I could just get better so I can help them. http://www.aolhealth.com/health/fall-health/flu-shot-desiree-jennings?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl2|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealth%2Ffall-health%2Fflu-shot-desiree-jennings |
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| Vanna White | Nov 6 2009, 07:26 PM Post #79 |
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http://www.cdc.gov/H1n1ful.update.htm Key Flu Indicators November 6, 2009, 11:00 AM Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView.* During the week of October 25-31, 2009, a review of the key indictors found that influenza activity remained high in the United States. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators: Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased very slightly this week over last week after four consecutive weeks of sharp increases. While ILI declined slightly, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain at much higher levels than what is expected for this time of the year and parts of the country continue to see sharp increases in activity. It’s possible that nationwide ILI could rise again. ILI continues to be higher than what is seen during the peak of most regular flu seasons. Total influenza hospitalization rates for laboratory-confirmed flu are climbing and are higher than expected for this time of year. Hospitalization rates continue to be highest is younger populations with the highest hospitalization rate reported in children 0-4 years old. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report continues to increase and has been higher for five week now than what is expected at this time of year. In addition, 18 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week; 15 of these deaths were confirmed 2009 H1N1, and three were influenza A viruses, but were not subtyped. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 129 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths and another 15 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but where the flu virus subtype was not determined. Forty-eight states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time; a decline of one state over last week. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This many reports of widespread activity at this time of year are unprecedented during seasonal flu. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception |
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| Vanna White | Nov 6 2009, 07:46 PM Post #80 |
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Officials: Flu cases unprecedented By Kate Hessling, Tribune Staff Writer Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 11:19 AM EST LANSING — State health officials on Monday said there is an unprecedented amount of flu cases across the nation, and Michigan is experiencing peak numbers for this time of year. Since Sept. 1, there have been a total of 396 hospitalizations and 16 deaths associated with the H1N1 virus, said James McCurtis, Jr., Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) spokesman, during a phone briefing to update the press about the H1N1 virus in Michigan. During Monday’s press conference, health officials said a 17th H1N1-related death, that of a 7-month-old infant, was being investigated. However, MDCH later issued a statement noting the child has not died, and further investigation found the child has recovered and is back at home. Thus, the total, as of late Monday evening, of H1N1-related deaths in Michigan is 16. The ages of those individuals who have died range from 27 to 72 years old, McCurtis said. To date, Michigan has not reported any pediatric fatalities relating to H1N1. Regarding the number of hospitalizations, McCurtis said the majority have been people who have had underlying health conditions. As for any trends that have been developing, there has been an increased number hospitalizations in the 0 to 4 age group and 5 to 24 age group at the national level, and Michigan’s starting to see that as well, said Dr. Greg Holzman, state chief medical executive. Comparing the number of past flu cases to the current number of H1N1 cases, he said the state is seeing a much higher number than what was the norm in prior years. “We’re at numbers you’d see at the peak of flu season,” Holzman said. “ ... This is unprecedented across the U.S. to see flu this widespread and this active in 48 states at this time of year.” McCurtis said as of noon Monday, 73 schools across the state have closed because of the H1N1 virus. The majority of those closings have occurred in the Upper Peninsula and northwestern part of the state. MDCH has compiled a current map of school closings that the public can view online at www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CurrentSchoolClosings_298090_7.pdf McCurtis said thousands of residents around the state have had bouts of the flu last week. Between Oct. 25 and 31, there were a total of 59,629 cases of influenza-like illnesses reported. Health officials estimated roughly 99 percent of the influenza cases are the H1N1 strand. The majority of individuals that do not have an underlying medical condition recover from H1N1 on their own, health officials noted. “For the most part, healthy individuals that don’t have underlying diseases — (who are) not really young or old — feel miserable for three to four days, but usually recover by resting and drinking plenty of fluids,” Holzman said, adding if symptoms should worsen, however, individuals should contact their health care provider. Officials report temporary vaccine shortage In terms of the H1N1 flu vaccine, health officials said a total of 999,200 doses have been allocated to the state. Orders have been placed for 765,300 of those orders, McCurtis said. “So that’s about 77 percent of the allocated doses that have been ordered thus far,” he said. Robert Swanson, MDCH director of immunizations, said the vast majority of the vaccine ordered so far has been the injectable type, as only 289,000 has been the nasal vaccine. Swanson said it’s too early to tell how many of those doses already have been administered through local health departments around the state. He noted a certain of number of vaccines are allocated to each state from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on the number of available doses and each state’s population. Swanson said MDCH places orders for vaccines based on what’s allocated to Michigan from the CDC, and then those orders are distributed to local health departments around the state based on each county’s population. Because it takes some time to get data from every county health department, MDCH does not have any numbers as to how many of the 765,300 that have been ordered have been administered to the target priority groups that the federal government said have to be immunized before the general public. Priority groups include: Pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. State health officials said national data shows roughly 159 million people across the U.S. fall into that priority group. In Michigan, it’s expected roughly 5 million residents are included in the priority group. As a result, there is not enough vaccine to immediately satisfy the need of individuals from Michigan who are included in all of the priority groups. “There’s a large demand for the vaccine right now, and we’re getting it out as quickly as possible,” Swanson said, noting orders are placed on a daily basis. However, as vaccine production continues, health officials noted more vaccine will become available and once the needs of individuals in the priority groups are satisfied, the vaccines will become available for the general population, he said. Each county handles vaccine differently In terms of which individuals can receive the H1N1 vaccine, the CDC has ordered individuals who fall into the above-mentioned priority groups get vaccinated first. However, state health officials explained on Monday that the way vaccines are administered differs from county to county. For example, some county health departments are allowing anyone who fits in the targeted priority groups, regardless of the individual’s county of residence, to receive the vaccine. Others, are opting to only serve those that fit within the targeted priority groups and live within the health department’s jurisdiction. The eligibility of those who can receive vaccines also has varied from county to county. That is because counties are able to take the general priority groups identified by the CDC and narrow it down if health departments feel there’s a need because there’s a limited supply of vaccine available. Also, the reports of flu-like illnesses have widely varied from county to county, health officials noted Monday. Holzman said H1N1 cases are determined through lab work, and the confirmation is used to track how far the virus has spread and if the flu strained has changed in any way. The testing — which costs about $200, and is mostly paid for with federal funding — is not used for diagnostic purposes. He said physicians and health care providers who feel there’s a patient with H1N1 symptoms and who are at risk from the virus should get the patient on anti-viral medication right away. No more waiting in lines? Because there is a limited supply of vaccine, it will be some time before individuals will be able to go to their doctor to receive an H1N1 vaccine, Holzman said. “Our goal, really is to get this out freely to all private providers who want the vaccine so people can go to their regular doctors,” Swanson added. However, when that time comes will all depend on when there’s an increased supply and how the local department chooses to allocate the vaccine in each county. “We can’t answer a specific question for the whole state because we have 45 different health departments, and all are doing it slightly differently to address those priority groups,” Swanson said. Regarding the seasonal flu, health officials said there still are some delays in getting seasonal flu vaccines to the rest of the state. Holzman said the delay is a result of manufacturers having to ramp up production of the H1N1 vaccine. He said some health departments and physician offices around the state do have some remaining seasonal flu vaccines. According to the Huron County Health Department, Huron County is one of them. Health officials announced Monday the health department will hold walk-in seasonal flu clinics for adults from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. The walk-in clinics will be held until supplies run out. There is a $25 fee for individuals who do not have insurance to cover the seasonal flu vaccine. Anyone with questions can contact the local health department at (989) 269-9721. State, federal officials report vaccine is safe and effective Officials said the side effect profile of the H1N1 vaccination is similar to the regular seasonal vaccine, in that the most common side effects for those who receive the injectable is a soar arm, and a runny nose or headache for those who receive the nasal spray. “The safety profile is very good, and severe reactions are very rare,” Swanson said. The National Institutes of Health, said tests on millions of people who have received the H1N1 flu vaccine show that it’s safe and effective. |
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