On Point & the Swine Flu Vaccine

Sarah & I were listening to On Point with Tom Ashbrook on NPR the other day and I was movivated enough by the information provided by one of the guests to email my comments. This week I wanted to share what I wrote:

"It seems to me just doing the math is the answer to this question of whether or not to vaccinate. There seem to be few folks who are actually getting the swine flu and even fewer who are dying from it. All reports from the CDC itself show most deaths are related to already compromised immune or nervous system or secondary complications such as pneumonia which tend to show up in folks who have had medications to lower fever or suppress cough.(The body’s natural response to heal from the illness)The guest minimized the occurrence of Guillain Barre syndrome (paralysis)in the population as 1:100,000 and that is only one complication. Although the H1N1 is in the flu vaccine, squalene is not but it is in the swine flu vaccine and squalene and thimerisol were not in the clinical trials. ( Squalene was also given to the gulf war vets who now struggle with ALS and other lifelong chronic debilitating diseases) The other important point is that having the swine flu will give natural lifelong immunity and has reported to be milder than the regular flu. I’d say the question for each parent and individual is to ask whether they would rather take their chances on dying from an acute illness that our bodies know just what to do for it if we allow it to do what it needs to heal and gain lifelong immunity OR take our chances on lifelong debilitating neurologic compromise. For more info go to http://www.nvic.org (national vaccine information center)" Posted by Dr. Heather Rice, on October 12th, 2009 at 11:14 am EDT

http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/10/h1n1-updates-and-answers

P.S. In response to the many questions I'm experiencing in my patient community I will be giving a lecture on Swine Flu on 10/28/09 @ 7 pm. This will be taking place by webex so you can listen and respond from the comfort of your home. Reservations are required by calling 802.985.9850. Limited to 25 people.