Here's what makes me sympathetic: The manufacturers have been made exempt from any liability. That definitely raises red flags for me. And I remember the swine flu scare of 1976. One person died from the actual swine flu. Twenty-five people died from the vaccine and many more suffered serious adverse effects.Lorna Patterson is willing to take on New York's top health official for her right to be flu vaccine-free.
The registered nurse in Albany Medical Center's emergency room is among a group of nurses who plan to file a lawsuit against state Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines to prevent the mandatory vaccination of New York's health care workers with the H1N1 flu virus.
If Patterson and Kathryn Dupuis do not receive their shots within the next two weeks, they will likely lose their jobs in the emergency room at Albany Medical Center. Patterson said the vaccination was rushed into production in a matter of months and that its effect has not yet been properly studied.
Patterson said the vaccination could be dangerous for people, including pregnant women, and that more time is needed to understand its effectiveness. She said she is not willing to risk her health and does not think it is fair that she should lose her job.
~~~
I once had a violent reaction to a flu vaccination and I will never have another one.
ReplyDeleteannie c
I've had my regular flu shot and plan to get the H1N1. For the non-believers, if you don't get the flu, thank those of us who get the shot/nasal spray (or what ever). We are giving you your protection.
ReplyDeleteI remember getting the "Asian" flu in my youth in the days before vaccinations to which I say, "No thanks." And to you parents, please get your children covered. Most of the deaths this year have been among the little ones who have no immunity at all.
P.S. I was brought up by a country doctor.
Well, BooCat, I completely respect your position. It's a vexing situation and the data are conflicting. It's hard to know for sure what is the right thing to do. For what it's worth, here is some information that indicates that getting seasonal flu shots makes a person MORE likely to get swine flu. Yes, it may be a flawed study. There are indications that the studies that demonstrate the value of flu shots are also flawed.
ReplyDeleteI take vitamins - especially vitamin C and D (Vitaimin D is now known to protect against flu), I wash my hands religiously, get plenty of rest and avoid junk foods. I cough and sneeze into my elbow (not my hands). I haven't had the flu of any kind for many years.
I would also rather die from flu than suffer permanent neurological damage from flu vaccines.
And I think it's VERY suspicious that the vaccine manufacturers are being legally protected from liability. If they're sure it's safe, why would that be necessary?