Fall 2007
Vaccination Risk Awarenessewsletter Network Inc. treacherous problem existing within the FDA Not so Miraculous itself. FDA insiders exposed how the agency INSIDE THIS ISSUE deliberately ignored abundant test informa- Telling the truth about the new tion showing that Vioxx® was dangerous to 2: VRAN News 9: Declining Health and the Role of vaccine Gardasil—Does it prevent cardiac patients. The systemic failure of the Vaccines cancer? A guide to informed consent FDA to weigh the risks and protect the public without undue infl uence of the manufactur- 10: Seeking an Alternative by Ian By Moira Terese Dolan, M.D. ers was brought to light by Vioxx® but it Sinclair has not yet led to any meaningful changes at 13: Vaccines–Why Fear Sells TV commercials plug it, the FDA ap- the agency. In spite of thousands of Vioxx® 13: Mutated Live Vaccine Polioviruses proved it, news highlights tout it, but product liability suits still unresolved, Garda- Pollute Water, Paralyze there are serious concerns about the new sil® has gotten fast track FDA approval, soon 15: Eighteen Years to Flu vaccine Gardasil® from Merck. Medi- to be followed by Glaxo’s Cervarix®. Pandemic? cal Accountability Network Executive 15: Flu Vaccine–Setting the Record Director Dr. Moira Dolan has reviewed the What is Human Papillomavirus disease? Straight information made generally available to The HPV infection that is under discus- 16: “There has been an Accident” physicians and outlines here the essential sion is a virus that is transmitted by skin to 17: Letters components of informed consent for what is skin or genital to genital contact during sexu- 18: Vaccines on Trial in being billed as a miracle anti-cancer vaccine. al activity. It commonly causes genital warts, Great Britain ©Medical Ethics, Inc. although infection may occur completely out 21: Are we Turning a Generation of of view on the cervix, where it is not apparent Young Women into Guinea Pigs? Physician Duty and does not show any symptoms. There are 22: NewsClips The prevention of genital warts and cervi- some 150 named HPV types. Newer testing 24: VRAN Membership and Order cal cancer is an extremely worthwhile effort. methods that detect the DNA sequence of vi- Form However, like any drug, the vaccine is not a ruses demonstrate that there is actually a lot cure-all and it has some potential downsides. more variation in viral types than this 150, There is an urgent need for full informed with some suggesting that there are thou- consent for potential human papillomavirus sands of distinct viral types. Editorial (HPV) vaccination. It is the role of the ad- ministering physician to remind the parent or What is the Merck HPV vaccine? HPV Vaccine in Canada: a Synopsis, patient that FDA approval does not equate to The Merck vaccine contains recombinant- May-Sept, 2007 safety. The FDA also turns a deaf ear to the generated Virus Like Particles from four By Susan Fletcher, B.Sc. fantastically misleading direct-to-consumer strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), advertising claims. It is the duty of the physi- numbered 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is approved for Since Edda wrote her comprehensive ar- cian to sort through the hype and government females age 9 to 26. It is given in 3 doses ticle, On Guard Against Gardasil, for the approval and offi cial pronouncements, to over 6 months, at a drug cost of $360. Winter Spring, 2007 VRANewsletter, Can- provide full informed consent to each and Condom use dramatically reduces chance ada has erupted in battle over the pros and every patient. The essential components of of infection from all types of HP viruses, by cons of adopting HPV vaccine programs for informed consent are: as much as 70%. There is no specifi c anti-vi- young girls. One of the fi rst of the big me- • What the drug (vaccine) is ral treatment for infection, but the majority of dia discussions was The Vancouver Sun’s • What is known and not known about how infections are cleared by the immune system two-part full-page series May 2 and 3. Writ- well it works anyway. Of women who contract HPV in- ten by Karen Gram, it gave a balanced view. • What is known and not known about safety fection, 90% will clear the infection through The fi rst article featured a photo of a smil- • Alternatives to the vaccine the body’s natural immune processes. The ing 22 yr old sporting a revealing neckline • The consequences of choosing to take or younger the patient the more rapidly they and receiving a shot from an equally happy not take the vaccine naturally clear infection. woman MD. The fact that her mother had Gardasil® vaccine is Merck’s fi rst big died of cervical cancer 18 mos prior had drug development since the Vioxx® disas- What is Cervical Cancer? spurred the young woman into persuading ter. The basis for many Vioxx® lawsuits is Cervical cancer is cancerous growth on her father to relinquish the $405 needed for that Merck withheld information that clearly the lower portion of the womb, the part that the vaccine. At the bottom of the page, UVic showed the dangers of the drug. The compa- extends into the vagina. Between 1955 and drug researcher, Alan Cassels’ photo showed ny’s record does not inspire trust. 1992, the number of cervical cancer deaths in him arms crossed tight to chest; the caption The Vioxx® situation revealed a more Not so Miraculous continued on page 3 Editorial continued on page 6 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 1 VRAN NEWSLETTER ple] wake up, stand up, and “just say no” Vaccination Risk Awareness Network Inc. VRANews to laws forcing them to serve up their chil- P.O. Box 169, Winlaw, B.C. V0G 2J0 Dear VRAN Members, dren as guinea pigs while vaccine-obsessed Coordinator and newsletter editor: Edda West As usual, there is way more vaccine news doctors and drug companies ignorantly de- [email protected] 250-355-2525 being generated at home and abroad than is stroy what remains of the earth’s ecological VRAN Board of Directors: possible to fi t into a newsletter. I keep won- balance and the biological integrity of the Mary James—President dering when we’re going to get to a “critical human race?” Rita Hoffman—Vice-President mass” and the majority of people recognize Edda West —Secretary/Treasurer the damage being done to our collective Let us Help you Stay Updated Dr. Jason Whittaker—Director VRAN Speakers Bureau health by runaway vaccine policies. And We’d like to send you, our members, Leona Rew—Board Member Gloria Dignazio—Board Member what will happen when the sleeping masses VRAN E-Bulletins more frequently to keep Susan Fletcher—VRAN Researcher awaken to the fact that a large segment of a you updated on events as they unfold. There Thanks to Catherine Orfald for the newsletter layout. whole generation of children has had their are still substantial numbers of you who health and their future stolen by rampant have not sent us your email contact infor- Statement of Purpose: • VRAN was formed in October of 1992 in response to “one size fi ts all” vaccine policies imposed mation. PLEASE, if you use a computer, growing parental concern regarding the safety of current by “health” agencies of the state? send us your email address so that we can vaccination programs in use in Canada. We constantly read of yet another study update you with breaking news items. • VRAN continues the work of the Committee Against Com- that exonerates vaccines and the embed- Send your email to: [email protected] pulsory Vaccination, who in 1982, challenged Ontario’s ded poisons in them. We are now supposed compulsory “Immunization of School Pupils Act”, which resulted in amendment of the Act, and guarantees an ex- to believe that it is perfectly safe to inject Fundraising & This Year’s Book Bonus emption of conscience from any ‘required’ vaccine. mercury, the second most toxic substance Fundraising is an ongoing, year round • VRAN forwards the belief that all people have the on the planet (next to plutonium) into ba- effort. Every year we offer a bonus book right to draw on a broad information base when de- bies, and no harm will be done! And almost to members who donate $150 or more to ciding on drugs offered themselves and/or their as frequently, vaccine awareness activists, VRAN. This year we offer two book selec- children and in particular drugs associated with potentially serious health risks, injury and death. autism societies and concerned researchers tions for you to choose from. Hilary Butler, VACCINES ARE SUCH DRUGS. are generating research that increasingly world renowned New Zealand vaccine • VRAN is committed to gathering and distributing informa- points to vaccines as the primary source of awareness researcher, whose article we fea- tion and resources that contribute to the creation of health neuroimmune damage now diagnosed in so tured in our last newsletter has a new book and well being in our families and communities. many children. titled “Just A Little Prick”. We are now VRAN’s Mandate is: Just the other day, Dr. Edward Yazbak, making this available to you as a fundrais- • To empower parents to make an informed decision when MD and Ray Gallup of the Vaccine Autoim- ing bonus. considering vaccines for their children. mune Project published a new analysis based • To educate and inform parents about the risks, adverse on the latest U.S. Department of Education reactions, and contraindications of vaccinations. Every year we offer a bonus statistics which reveals that currently, one • To respect parental choice in deciding whether or not to book to members who donate vaccinate their child. in 67 children in the U.S. is in the autism $150 or more to VRAN. • To provide support to parents whose children have suf- spectrum. The one in 150 fi gure cited by the fered adverse reactions and health injuries as a result of CDC is outdated by fi ve years. Certainly, childhood vaccinations. This year we offer two we have no reason to believe that Canadian • To promote a multi-disciplinary approach to child and book selections for you children are suffering less than our neigh- family health utilizing the following modalities: herbalist, to choose from. chiropractor, naturopath, homeopath, refl exologist, allo- bour’s children south of the border! path (regular doctor), etc. Says Dr. Yazbak, “We are also concerned • To empower women to reclaim their position as primary about what is to come. It is evident that: healers in the family. 1. Our medical authorities are more inter- Additionally, we are offering you Dr. Tim • To maintain links with consumer groups similar to ours around the world through an exchange of information, re- ested in defending vaccination programs O’Shea’s well known book, “The Sanctity search and analysis, thereby enabling parents to reclaim than controlling autism, the most devas- of Human Blood”, now in its eleventh edi- health care choices for their families. tating and real epidemic we have faced in tion. Dr. O’Shea’s book has been popular in • To support people in their fi ght for health freedom and a hundred years, and vaccine awareness circles for many years, to maintain and further the individual's freedom from en- 2. Our wealthiest and largest autism asso- and this new updated edition has received forced medication. ciation is giving little attention to the role excellent reviews. VRAN publishes a newsletter 3 to 4 times a year as of vaccines and vaccine additives and When sending us your donation, please a means of distributing information to members and preservatives.” choose one of these two books, and let us the community. Suggested annual membership fees, Read the report at: http://www. know which one you are selecting. including quarterly newsletter and your on-going vaproject.org/yazbak/1-in-150-is- Please send your donations to: support to the Vaccination Risk Awareness Network: $35.00—Individual $75.00—Professional really-1-in-67-20071005.htm VRAN Fundraising, P.O. Box 169, Winlaw, The destruction to our children’s health BC, V0G 2J0. We would like to share the personal stories of our is accelerating. What can be done to turn membership. If you would like to submit your story, back this horrifying tsunami that is ravag- Special Actions please contact Edda West by phone or e-mail,as ing and stealing our children’s future? Much appreciation goes to Patrick Curtis indicated above. One long time vaccine activist put it this for funding a special action that targeted the VRAN website: www.vran.org √ way, “And when will the majority [of peo- chair-people of Ontario’s Boards of educa- VRANews continued on page 3 Page 2 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter VRANews continued from page 2 fi nd out what type of newsletter format peo- Not so Miraculous continued from page 1 tion. A letter was sent outlining the ongoing ple would like. Deborah pointed out that a the United States dropped by 74%. The death problem of withholding from students their change to an online newsletter allows us to rate continues to go down by about 4% per Informed Consent rights when vaccines provide a “hub” of information that sends year. Half of the cases of cervical cancer oc- are given in the public school system. The readers out to other sources on the Internet cur between the ages of 35 and 45. It is rare chronic problem of not informing students rather than an end-point. under age 20. U.S. statistics show 3-4 cervi- of their right to vaccine exemptions under Edda pointed out that the newsletter is cal cancer cases per year per 100,000 women Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils our vital fi nancial lifeline, as membership age 9-26. These are the ages on which the Act was highlighted in the letter circulated renewals and new members are generated new vaccine was tested. to the school Boards with a request that all through the VRAN newsletter. The VRAN The American Cancer Society reports that vaccine notices clearly included students’ newsletter is acclaimed by many in this cervical cancer is responsible for about 1% of right to exemptions from these injections. movement as THE premier vaccine aware- cancer deaths per year. Some claim that this Special gratitude goes to Rita Hoffman ness newsletter. The question was raised low number is due to effectiveness of routine for her time and work involved in identify- whether our newsletter should contain Ca- Pap screening, which results in the detec- ing the many provincial Boards of education, nadian content only? However this issue tion and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions for compiling and mailing our informative transcends national boundaries and ulti- so that they never get to the cancer stage. letter and accompanying exemption forms mately, it is important to maintain solidarity However the big drop in cervical cancer also for distribution to these people and their with people of other nations whose children coincides with an increased use of condoms, Trustees. Hopefully our action will pre- and citizens also continue to suffer from so it is more likely a combination of the two cipitate changes to vaccine notices given to vaccine induced injuries. factors. Nutritional defi ciencies, especially students to clearly inform them of their vac- Fundraising remains the most challeng- vitamin A and folate, mineral defi ciency cine exemption rights under the law. ing aspect of running VRAN. Year in and (zinc, selenium, calcium and iron), smoking, And much appreciation goes to Alberta year out, we operate on a bare minimum birth control use and douching have been Chiropractor Robert Champagne and his “shoestring” budget. The suggestion was shown to be associated with cervical cancer. wife Suzanne for their enthusiasm in com- made that we send letters of introduction to Increase in number of sex partners is a major piling a list of chiropractors in that province practitioners in the holistic healthcare com- risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV infection who might support our work. Suzanne typed munity. Deborah volunteered to fi nd data is highly associated with cervical cancer, yet address labels to nearly 300 practitioners. bases for these organizations across the there remains debate as to whether the virus Long time VRAN member Susan Fletcher country. actually causes cancer. photocopied key articles excerpted from Edda presented an overview of VRAN’s The vast majority of abnormal Pap tests do select VRAN newsletters and compiled a fi nancial picture, fundraising donations we not equate to cancer. Even abnormal Pap tests comprehensive packaged which she mailed have received, bank balance, and that our showing pre-cancerous cells of the CIN II to these potential supporters. year end fi nancial report for 2006 has been grade clear by themselves with no treatment Thank you Susan for all that hard completed by Jan Oswald. This report is 40% of the time. Treatment of pre-cancers work!! available to VRAN members on request. has limited the progression to cancer to only A discussion about the VRAN website 1%. So Merck’s vaccine is coming out at a Annual General Meeting raised a number of questions such as: time when cervical cancer is already on the VRAN’s annual general meeting was • How can the VRAN website better serve decline. This is similar to the polio vaccine, held by teleconference on June 18. In at- this organization? which came out when polio was already rap- tendance were Mary James, Rita Hoffman, • How can it directly drive membership? idly going away on its own. Edda West, Susan Fletcher and Deborah • Do we need a new website design? Jones. Agenda items were voting, newslet- Why? How is HPV infection related to ter, fundraising, website, and treasurer’s • Do we need to ask our members and out- cervical cancer? report. side users this question? The VRAN executive for the coming year Perhaps an informal usability study 30 types of HPV have been found in as- is as follows: Mary James continues on as would give us a clearer idea of direction sociation with cervical cancer. HPV type 16 President, Rita Hoffman as Vice-President, with this. is currently found in 50% of cases of cervical and Edda West as secretary/treasurer. Edda Deborah Jones has created a mock up cancer, and type 18 is found in 20% of cases asked for help with newsletter production of a potential new website which can be of cervical cancer. Some cervical cancers as this aspect of her duties has become very viewed at: http://vran.blueorchard.ca/ don’t have associated HPV, and most people diffi cult due to an often debilitating chronic All suggestions and feedback from you, infected with HPV do not get cancer, so HPV health problem that has worsened over the our members are welcome!! cannot be the full cause of cancer. Some re- years. All participants responded with con- Thank you for your continuing support searchers and FDA scientists wonder if the cern and offers of help. Susan Fletcher has and commitment to the health of this and abnormal cells (cancerous or pre-cancerous) written a feature editorial and numerous future generations of children!! may simply be a friendly environment for vi- other news summaries for this issue. Appreciating your support, ruses to grow around, so the virus infection Thank you Susan!! Edda West, editor √ may occur after the changes that cause cancer The possibility of an online monthly rather than the other way around. Smoking newsletter was discussed. Deborah Jones has more to do with the progression of HPV suggested a survey amongst members to infection to cervical cancer than any other Not so Miraculous continued on page 4 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 3 Not so Miraculous continued from page 3 So they used a substitute measure (a “sur- get this response is if you have never had sex single factor. Smokers with HPV go on to de- rogate marker”) for cancer. They compared before the vaccine, or you have been tested velop cervical cancer much more frequently abnormal pre-cancerous Pap results in people for evidence of prior infection. The HPV test than infected non-smokers. who were vaccinated versus not vaccinated. is recommended by the American Cancer So- The vaccine is nearly 100% effective in ciety as part of cancer screening every three Does the vaccine work? Who preventing four types of HPV infection. Two years in women older than 30, but it is not yet studied the vaccine in humans? of the four subtypes included in the vaccine widely covered by insurance plans outside of are currently responsible for 70% of cervical these recommendations. It is a crucial part of full informed consent cancer. So we would expect a 70% reduction The more useful analysis was called “the to let patients know that all human stud- in precancerous Pap results, right? However general population”. This is all study partici- ies submitted to the FDA were done by or pre-cancerous Paps only went down by 12%– pants analyzed together, without separating fi nanced by the drug manufacturers. It can- 45%, depending on which population was out the ones who had tests showing current not be brushed aside that these studies have studied. (See below for the different popula- or prior infection with vaccine-type HPV. limited to no independent scientifi c review. tions and the reasons for this spread.) Why The results for the general population are In fact, it takes a formal Freedom Of Infor- didn’t the vaccine cause a 70% reduction in much different. Because most women are not mation Act request to obtain the exact study pre-cancers in the general population? getting pre-vaccine HPV tests, these num- reports and statistical analyses that the drug This could be explained by some method bers apply to all but virgins. In the general manufacturer gave to the FDA. of viral shift. Since the vaccine HPV types population there was little over 12% reduc- got pretty much wiped out as being a cause tion in pre-cancer associated with any type What is the effect of the vaccine on of pre-cancers SOMETHING must have of HPV. HPV infection? taken their place because pre-cancers only Is the HPV vaccine safe? Can the HPV reduced by 12.2%–16.5%. The alternate vaccine actually make infection worse? In the general population the Merck vac- explanation (raised by an FDA scientist) is The study showed an increase in pre-cancer cine prevented genital warts that were due to that the theory that “HPV causes cancer” related to the vaccine types in the people who vaccine-type strains. The vaccine prevented could be backwards. Maybe HPV is just a already had these infections before they got human papillomavirus infection with four so-called “opportunistic infection” that is al- the vaccine. It is possible that when infected HPV subtypes in people who weren’t already lowed to fl ourish un-checked in the vicinity girls whose immune systems have not cleared infected with these types. The vaccine did not of cancer cells. the virus from their bodies are vaccinated, the prevent infection with the HPV types that are U.S. statistics show there are 30 to 40 vaccine may lead to an increased number of not contained in the vaccine. cervical cancer cases per year per one mil- cases of a pre-cancer. This is very concern- HPV disease due to one of the many lion women age 9-26, the ages the vaccine ing, because there is no routine test you can subtypes NOT included in the vaccine still was tested on. Gardasil®’s reduction of get in your doctor’s offi ce that will tell if you occurred. Vaccinated subjects got infected pre-cancers by 12.2%–16.5% in the general are already infected by a vaccine type HPV with non-vaccine HPV types at the same rate population would mean that instead of 30 before you get the vaccine. as non-vaccinated subjects. to 40 cases of cancer, there would only be In subjects who were already infected 26–35 cancers. So it would take vaccination How does the HPV vaccine affect fer- with a particular vaccine virus type, the vac- of a million girls to prevent cancer in 4 to 5 tility? Birth defects? Risk of cancers? cine did not prevent disease due to that type, girls. About 37% die from cervical cancer, Breast milk? but it did prevent new disease caused by the so that would prevent one to two deaths. So other vaccine subtypes. $360 million in vaccine would prevent one Five subjects who got the Merck vaccine The studies that the drug maker gave to two deaths. around the time of conception had babies to the FDA did not tell if condom use was However this is all conjecture. In the Mer- with birth defects, whereas no birth defects tracked; this is very important missing data, ck studies the follow up was too short and occurred in this time period in the subjects since condoms alone are responsible for a the numbers too few to prove prevention of who got dummy shots. The manufacturer 70% reduction in all types of HPV. The vac- cervical cancer. also specifi es that the vaccine has not been cine gives 100% protection against four HPV tested to see whether it could cause cancer. types and no protection against other HPV Results vary in different populations It is not known if the vaccine virus-like pro- types, whereas condoms give 70% protection The vaccine studies were analyzed in teins or the antibodies pass into the breast against all HPV types. several different ways. One analysis looked milk. Merck says that it should not be given only at girls whose pre-vaccine testing did to pregnant women. What is the effect of the vaccine on not show any evidence of current or past The longest portion of the study only lasted cervical cancer? infection with the HPV types that are in the just under four years. Thus there is no long vaccine. In people who did not already have term data on how it affects the ability to be- Since HPV is found in connection with one of the four types of HPV, the vaccine was come pregnant (fertility). This is especially most cervical cancers, the theory was that a 91 - 100% effective in preventing pre-cancers concerning because the FDA has approved the vaccine against HPV would prevent cervical that were associated with the four vaccine vaccine for as young as 9 year old girls. The cancer. However the vaccine studies couldn’t HPV types. They still got pre-cancer associ- effect of artifi cially infl uencing the immune demonstrate this, simply because there were ated with non-vaccine HPV types at the same system during a time of tremendous hormone no cases of cervical cancer in the vaccinated rate as un-vaccinated girls. shifts of puberty is unknown. The package group or in the group that got dummy shots. The only way to know if you are going to insert specifi es that the vaccine has not been Not so Miraculous continued on page 5 Page 4 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Not so Miraculous continued from page 4 mal Pap tests often return to normal on their The long term safety and effectiveness of tested for altering genes in the patient or her own. Cervical cancer is on the decline as are Gardasil® is unknown. Effects on causing future children (genotoxicity). cervical cancer deaths, but it still occurs in cancer, infertility, gene mutations, birth de- about 10,000 women a year with 3,700 dy- fects and effects in breast milk have not been Comparison to other vaccines ing. Pap tests are required whether or not you adequately studied in humans. Hepatitis B vaccine was rushed to the take the vaccine. (See the VRAN website for market and broadly administered to young Canadian stats.) people in the absence of adequate human Who would benefi t from the vaccine? Articles: safety testing. It is now one of the most com- If you have risk factors for HPV infection mon vaccines reported to the Vaccine Adverse such as multiple sex partners and no condom Batieha,et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Effect Reporting System, particularly for gas- use, and you are not already infected by one Prev, 1993; Cunzhi, et al, Biol Trace Elem trointestinal problems, arthritis and multiple or more of the subtypes targeted by the vac- Res, 2003; Geier and Geier. Annals of Phar- sclerosis. The new HPV vaccine uses alumi- cine, this vaccine protects you from HPV macotherapy, 2002 March; 36, pp. 370-374; num and polysorbate, two substances known infection by the four subtypes, but not non- Gunnell, et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomark- to cause cancer in laboratory animals and to vaccine HPV types. ers Prev, 2006 Nov;15(11):2141-7 alter immune responses. If you have cervical cancer risk factors National Vaccine Program Offi ce, such as nutritional defi ciencies, multiple sex Workshop on Aluminum, May 2000.; What are the consequences of partners or smoking, the vaccine prevents Winer, et al, NEJM June 22, 2006, declining the vaccine? some episodes of growth of pre-cancerous Vol 354: Number 25: 2645-2654 cells and it may prevent cancer. The vaccine We appreciate Dr. Dolan’s kind permission The ultimate prevention of HPV is absti- is 12.2%–16.5% effective in the general pop- for allowing us to reprint this article. For nence. Condom use is at least 70% effective ulation in reducing pre-cancer Pap results. additional web references go to: in preventing all types of genital HPV infec- The vaccine is 45% effective over the short http://www.medicalaccountability.net/es- tion. HPV infection is often eliminated by the term in girls who have never had any of the say_gardasil.html √ body’s natural immune mechanisms. Abnor- vaccine-type HPV infections.
“Noni, don’t be a wimp. My mom said the nurse said Mr Smerck made it for human pupilloma virus an’ it’s real safe an’ infective, just like all his other needles!”
VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 5 Editorial continued from page 1 reported deaths relating to heart problems gynecological cancer screening program, read: “My 10-year-old is not going to be one and/or blood clotting.’ acknowledged that there remain unanswered of your test subjects.” Gram had interviewed The anxiety of a BC public health of- questions about the vaccine: whether or not Diane Harper, lead researcher, and, among fi cial was revealed on May 31. An article booster shots will be needed and what is the many other things, noted that HPV vaccine on TheTyee.ca said: ‘Dr. John Blatherwick, role of HPV strains not covered by the vac- can be effective against only 4 of over 200 chief medical offi cer of Vancouver Coastal cine in the causation of cervical cancer. The HPV’s and, even then, only if they aren’t Health, is so impressed with the scientifi c provincial tests will provide data to compare present at the time of vaccination. Hans data that he’d rather not wait for health pol- outcomes from a 3-dose regimen as will be Krueger, an independent health economist, icy recommendations from a Health Canada used in Nova Scotia’s new program with seriously questioned any possible economic Immunization Committee [due by the end of those from less expensive 2-dose regimen tri- gains for BC through adoption of a provin- 2007] and would like to start a mass vaccina- als in the two other provinces. cial program. “Krueger concluded that for tion program for B.C. girls this September. Canadian Action Party President and can- the vaccine to break even, it would have to “We’ve entered a brave new world in medi- didate, Bev Collins’ article For Whose Sake?, cost $45 with a $15 booster shot at 10 years.” cal science,” he says of the Gardasil vaccine. a critical discussion of Gardasil, appeared in [This assumes that Gardasil can prevent cer- “The studies have been rigorous and I think ‘Health’ magazine published June 27. This vical cancer, merely a premise since trials it’s ready for mass use.”’ party’s website now features several addi- only showed reduced development of pre- After waiting the standard three and 1/2 tional posts regarding HPV vaccine. cancerous conditions.] months, I received a reply to my March 16 A July 18 home.businesswire.com article The May 10 issue of the New England letter to Minister of Health, Tony Clement. reported on a survey by Medimix Internation- Journal of Medicine featured several ar- On June 1, I sent him a second letter ex- al, an information source for the healthcare ticles regarding HPV and the vaccine. One plaining why the reply hadn’t answered my industry. Their survey of 1022 GPs in France, of two editorials noted the ineffectiveness questions re his government’s $300 million Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Australia of the vaccine when the targeted HPV types funding of Gardasil. I noted the 3 deaths and Canada found over 90% agreed that are already present; lack of proof that it can following Gardasil, the fact that it hasn’t HPV vaccine should be used in their coun- prevent death and disability from cervical been shown to prevent cancer and the lack try. Australians were the keenest, with 99% cancer; and the possibility that successfully of proper adverse event reporting and a of physicians surveyed recommending or prevented HPV infections may be displaced vaccine injury compensation program upon administering the vaccine; Canadians were by infections with HPV types that aren’t tar- which to base a realistic cost-effectiveness second highest in the approval ratings with geted by the vaccine. evaluation of provincial programs that 97% in support. [Did Merck’s cash dona- A study in the July 20 ‘Vaccine’, fi rst might fund this vaccine. tion to the Federation of Canadian Women available online May 22, titled The potential in Medicine help seal the Canadian doctors’ cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus faith in the vaccine?] The [FDA] release stated: ‘Three vaccines in Canada, concluded: “Vaccinating An online commentary by Abby Lipp- deaths were adolescent girls against HPV is likely to be man and colleagues later published in the related to the vaccine. cost effective. The main benefi t of vaccination Aug 28 issue of the Canadian Medical As- will be in reducing cervical cancer mortality. sociation Journal was discussed on an Aug 1 [This despite the fact that Gardasil has never A CBC newscast on June 20 discussed the CTV news report. Dr Lippman is a profes- been shown to have saved anyone from dy- program to vaccinate Nova Scotia’s Grade 7 sor of epidemiology at McGill U and chair ing of cancer.] However, unless screening is girls starting this September. It interviewed of the Canadian Women’s Health Network. modifi ed, the treatment costs saved through Sydney paediatrician, Dr. Andrew Lynk, who The commentary questioned the advisabil- vaccinations will be insignifi cant compared questioned the use of an expensive vaccine ity of governments adopting HPV vaccine to the cost of HPV immunization.” This poor program when about half of the women who programs, saying they might lead to reduc- result was staggering considering that such get cervical cancer in Nova Scotia have never tions in safer sex practices and Pap screening factors as reduced loss of quality of life due had a Pap test or haven’t had one recently. rates; the vaccine hadn’t been properly tested to prevention of genital warts were weighed He said “Maybe a better way to do this is to in girls of the age group to be targeted; all of but, as usual, there was no consideration of spend that $2.8 million and hire 40 nurses and the vaccine trials were funded at least in part the costs and loss of quality of life from inju- go looking for those people and track them by the manufacturers. The authors noted that, ries and death caused by the vaccine. down who aren’t getting their Pap smears.” due to widely available publicly-funded Pap Judicial Watch, a US public interest group He also referred to studies that show elimina- screening, Canadian cervical cancer rates had that investigates and prosecutes government tion or reduction of one type of pathogen can been dropping for years. They were also con- corruption, issued a press release on May allow others to increase. cerned about unknowns: duration of effi cacy, 23. They had obtained documents from the On June 23, Nova Scotia news from The if a booster will be needed and what effect FDA under provisions of the Freedom of Chronicle Herald indicated that girls from other vaccines will have on effi cacy when ad- Information Act, detailing 1,637 reports of Quebec and BC and Nova Scotia’s vacci- ministered at the same time as this vaccine. adverse reactions to Gardasil. The release nated Grade 7’s will be used as test subjects Talking to CBC Aug 1, Lippman asked stated: ‘Three deaths were related to the for Merck’s Gardasil HPV vaccine which has “What’s the rush? Why can’t we get the in- vaccine. One physician’s assistant reported received approval for use by regulatory agen- formation that we need fi rst? She asked that that a female patient “died of a blood clot cies in the US, Australia, Canada and many the government carry out a thorough review three hours after getting the Gardasil vac- other countries. Dr Robert Grimshaw, medi- of the vaccine’s safety, costs and uses before cine.” Two other listings, on girls 12 and 19, cal director of Cancer Care, Nova Scotia’s programs are implemented across Canada. Editorial continued on page 7 Page 6 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Editorial continued from page 6 all girls between 9 and 13 receive the drug. been 2,227 Gardasil adverse events fi led with She wanted infrastructure such as vaccine It was then up to the Canadian Immunization VAERS, including 13 suspected or confi rmed registries in place so that vaccine outcomes Committee, a federal-provincial-territorial cases of GBS (two more GBS reports were can be followed. And, noting that GlaxoS- body, to determine if Gardasil would be made in June for a total of 15) and 239 cases mithKline’s ‘Cervarix’ will be marketed next cost-effective and should be publicly funded. of syncope (fainting with temporary loss of year, she raised the possibility that it might be Their report wouldn’t be ready until fall. consciousness), many of which resulted in better than ‘Gardasil’. head injuries and fractures. Seven deaths The day after Lippman and colleagues have been reported after receipt of Gardasil. The cover of the August called for a halt to initiating HPV vaccine CBC reported Aug 15 that New Brunswick 27 issue of MACLEAN’S programs, Ontario’s government announced had decided to wait for the report from the Magazine, seen online a $39-million Grade 8 HPV vaccination pro- Canadian Immunization Committee before Aug 16, said, “OUR GIRLS gram to start this fall and cover as many as committing to a Gardasil vaccine program. AREN’T GUINEA PIGS” 84,000 students. This works out to $464 per Their decision won’t be made until next year student. On Aug 2 CBC reported that premier at the earliest. McGuinty said his government’s decision Aug 13, an article by Missouri politi- The cover of the Aug 27 issue of MA- was based on expert advice, and that it is cian, physician and immunologist, Robert F CLEAN’S Magazine, seen online Aug 16, sanctioned by the Public Health Agency of Onder was published online by the Kansas featured a photo of a pre-teen girl and the Canada, the National Advisory Committee City Star. He said the main reason he’d suc- words “OUR GIRLS AREN’T GUINEA on Vaccination, Cancer Care Ontario and cessfully amended a House Bill that would PIGS”. The latter was the title of a very the Canadian Cancer Society. Resources for have mandated vaccination against HPV as thorough article on Gardasil written by schools and fact sheets that will discuss the a condition for entry of 11- and 12 year-old Cathy Gulli. She commented, “All these infection and explain the benefi ts of the vac- girls into sixth grade was that, being sexually questions and caveats highlight just how cine will be available. Parental consent forms transmitted, HPV is not highly contagious in little medical and scientifi c evidence exists will be issued prior to vaccination, but the ul- a normal classroom setting! He questioned to make the case against mass inoculation timate decision will be made by the students the claim that Gardasil is effective against a no-brainer.” This stirred a backlash from themselves. If a 13-year-old girl wants the “the two strains of HPV that cause 70 percent the Chief himself, Canada’s Public Health vaccination despite her parents’ objections, of cervical cancer” saying, “This is mislead- Offi cer David Butler-Jones, who huffed, she will still be able to get one; conversely, if ing, because this statistic looks at the women “To suggest this is some grand experiment her parents want her to be vaccinated but she who are being diagnosed with cervical cancer is inappropriate!” In answer to questions doesn’t, she can refuse. today. These women contracted HPV 15 to raised by Gulli, the Chief, in effect, replied The Aug 2 edition of the Globe and 20 years ago. …If we look at the most current “Trust us, we’re experts.” Mail interviewed Abby Lippman. She again data on HPV strains prevalent today, from the Common Ground magazine’s columnist, stressed the lack of urgency about adopting National Health and Nutrition Survey, pub- Alan Cassels, wrote the article, Lock up your HPV vaccination programs and asked, “How lished this year in the Journal of the American daughters, Gardasil is on the loose, which ap- can responsible public health people not be Medical Association, Gardasil covers only peared online Sept 2. He said, “In fact, what’s curious about having these answers before about 4 percent of high-risk strains.” most striking about this issue is the crass vac- they move ahead?” I received a reply written Aug 14 to my cine-mongering coming from public health Another political group, the Christian letter of June 1 to Minister of Health, Tony offi cials who seem bent on pushing the vac- Heritage Party issued a dissenting press re- Clement. It stated: “Long-term surveillance cine as if there were an imminent epidemic.” lease on April 30. They stressed the possible on the impact of the vaccine on cancer reduc- A cost-benefi t analysis by Andre Lalonde, ramifi cations of vaccinating pubescent and tion is needed, since the pre-licensure studies MD, FRCSC in August’s Journal of Ob- pre-pubescent girls against sexually transmit- and vaccine programs have not been in place stetrics and Gynaecology Canada, funded ted disease. long enough to see the impact on cancer de- in part by Merck Frostt Canada and Glax- An especially interesting article with in- velopment. Such studies will take several coSmithKline, compared several previous sight into the political maneuvering around years. In the meantime, there is no reason to analyses. It concluded that “Overall, vaccina- Gardasil appeared in the Aug 11 Globe and delay the initiation of a proven, effi cacious, tion against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 Mail. Reporter, Andre Picard wrote, “Regard- and safe product that can prevent a potential- and low-risk types 6 and 11 is cost effective less of your take, the fact remains that since ly fatal illness.” The letter was signed “Bill”, in a wide range of models with a wide range polio, no vaccine has gone from regulatory Bill being William King, Chief of Staff. Bill of assumptions. [the main, but unstated as- approval to mass use in government-funded would do well as a vaccine researcher: his sumptions being that the vaccine can prevent programs with such dizzying speed.” He re- conclusion twists the evidence he gives such cervical cancer and all vaccine injuries will be marked that the March 19 federal government that the premise of vaccine effi cacy is upheld insignifi cant]… the most signifi cant avoided announcement of an allocation of $300 mil- no matter what. costs with HPV vaccination would be those lion for provincial programs using Gardasil On Aug 15, NVIC reported that their of pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix and had short-circuited the usual discussions that analysis of US VAERS data had found a sta- non-malignant disease.” All the models fac- occur prior to adoption of vaccination pro- tistically signifi cant increased risk of GBS tored in an arbitrary value of $50,000 or less grams. The vaccine had received the approval and other serious events when Gardasil is per life-year saved to quantify prevention of of Health Canada on July 18, 2006 and on co-administered with other vaccines, espe- death and prevention of loss of quality of life. Feb 15, 2007 The National Advisory Com- cially Menactra® meningococcal vaccine. No similar value, in fact no value at all, was mittee on Immunization recommended that They found that, as of May 31, there have applied as a cost for loss of life and injury due Editorial continued on page 8 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 7 Editorial continued from page 7 have a daughter vaccinated was the topic booster shot that’s used. to the vaccine. Lalonde stated: “The analyses of a front-page article in the Sept 15 Globe Getting a needle without knowing why published thus far were mostly by economists & Mail. It extended to two more pages and was the title of a Sep 26 article by Pauline funded by the manufacturers. Therefore, gov- asked readers to “ask an expert” on their Tam in the Ottawa Citizen. Interviews of ernment agencies need to urgently review the website. The expert was obstetrician/gy- schoolgirls getting the jab made it clear that data to confi rm or modify assumptions that naecologist, Deborah Money. Dr Money is many didn’t know why they were being underpin those results.” liaison member on the National Advisory poked. Ms Tam wrote: “the Ontario govern- The opinions of now-retired doctor, Law- Committee on Immunization for the Society ment, which received federal funding to offer rence Benedet, former head of Vancouver of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Can- the vaccine for free to all Grade 8 girls, has General Hospital’s gynaecological oncology ada, in other words, one of the “experts” who done little by way of public education to help division and head of the B.C. Cancer Agen- recommended HPV vaccine programs and a parents make an informed decision. That has cy’s oncology division, were noted in the Sept member of the group that received a gift of left cash-strapped public health departments 6 Richmond Review. He was troubled by the $1.5 million from Merck. scrambling to provide basic information high cost of the vaccine and said funding The Sept 18 Toronto Star reported that about the merits of the vaccine. …At the could be better spent in other areas of health the auditor general had pulled radio and print same time, few schools have expressed inter- care. One of those areas he suggested was ex- ads for the vaccine because they contravened est in learning about the vaccine. Ms. Parks panding Pap screening as much as possible rules about government advertising during an [Ottawa Public Health supervisor] says of to include regular testing of at-risk women, election. Health offi cials were disappointed. the 126 Ottawa schools offering the vaccine, immigrant women and Aboriginal women. Barbara Yaffe, Toronto associate medical of- only one has invited her to address parents.” A Pap test costs about $15. But Tom Ehlen, fi cer of health said “Any time a new vaccine The Edmonton Journal, a newspaper head of B.C.’s colposcopy screening program is introduced, we’d like as much information which, in the past, has published outrageous- suggested it’s these women who’ve largely as possible to be provided.” [Perhaps then, ly pro-vaccine views, showed a change of avoided screening who would reap the most she’d like to include VRAN info in the “fact heart by printing a decidedly ant-vaccine ar- benefi t from the vaccine. However, he didn’t sheets” being given to parents and students!] ticle by Kathleen O’Hara Sept 27. She said, explain how it would be easier to reach them A Canadian Press article of Sept 20 re- “As schoolchildren are being lined up for with a vaccine than with a Pap test. ported that BC will fund an HPV program vaccines of one sort or another, it appears The Sept 8 Richmond Review quoted the starting Sept 2008 at a cost of $30-million we are subjecting yet another generation of views of school trustee, Sandra Bourque: per year. The government had been pressured young women to the uncertainties of modern “[Parents] need to make the decisions about by provincial MHO, Perry Kendall who science and research; creating more guinea their child and not assume that just because recommended that the 50,000 Grade 6 girls pigs.” She described the federal government’s something is available in the school, that it be vaccinated. For this group, the program decision to fund Gardasil as “a case of politi- is right for their child or their family. Parents would cost $600 per girl. cal and medicinal overkill if there ever was must not abdicate their responsibility as a The fi rst report of a refusal to adopt a one.” Her doubts are based not just on lack of parent to any authority, whether that’s medi- vaccine program appeared Sept 24 on merid- data but also on real life medical tragedies of cal or school authority. They should always ianbooster.com. A school-based program will the past from drugs and procedures that had question.” not be allowed in Lloydminster, Sask. Direc- been promoted as safe and effective. Her own Following a request for direction from tor of Education, Michael Diachuk, explained experience of these happened when, after Catholic school boards, the Ontario Bishops that awareness of STD’s was being taught. having her Dalkon Shield removed, she tried Conference of Sept 10 drafted a letter re- He said studies have shown that abstinence to initiate a second pregnancy but couldn’t. garding the government’s mandate on HPV goes a long way in reducing teen pregnancy As of the end of September, six prov- vaccination programs to be initiated the fi rst and transmission of HPV and other STDs inces—Nova Scotia, PEI, Nfl d/Labrador, day of school (but delayed at the trustees re- and that the decision whether or not to vac- Ontario, BC and Quebec—have committed quest since they hadn’t had time to debate cinate against HPV should be left entirely up to funding Gardasil. No doubt the debate will and vote on these). to families. continue at least until it’s time to roll out fl u The letter stated: “Infection with HPV or On Sept 25 the Montreal Gazette reported shot propaganda—which, come to think of it, other sexually transmitted diseases can occur that Quebec will introduce an HPV vaccine is just around the corner. I wonder how Gar- only through sexual activity, which carries program for girls and women a year from dasil and the fl u shot will synergize. with it profound risks to a young person’s now as part of a new, $145-million plan to Thanks to Rita Hoffman for spiritual, emotional, moral and physical combat all types of cancer. The plan will in- providing news items. health. The Bishops note that, at best, a vac- clude vaccinating women and girls as early as cine can only be potentially effective against Grade 4 next year; in the following two years a less expensive schedule will be undertaken. one of these risks, that to physical health, and Addendum: may have other unintended and unwanted Vaccination cost is estimated to be $600 per consequences. Sexual activity is appropriate person. Shortly after the announcement, the While the Public Health Agency of Can- only within marriage. Outside of marriage, Réseau québécois d’action pour la santé des ada tries to reassure the public of the safety abstinence is not only clearly the choice that femmes, a women’s health group, called for of Gardasil, vaccine reactions, injuries and leads to spiritual and moral wellbeing, but it a moratorium on the program to vaccinate deaths continue to mount in the U.S. Despite is obviously the best protection against risks girls. One of their concerns was that there’s promises over many years to implement a of disease.” been no long term testing of Gardasil to de- publicly accessible vaccine reaction monitor- Making the decision whether or not to tect adverse effects from initial shots and any ing system, PHAC has failed to do so, forcing Editorial continued on page 9 Page 8 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Editorial continued from page 8 Declining Child received up to 100-times the safe dose of Canadians to rely on the U.S. Vaccine Ad- Health and the mercury (according to current EPA and FDA verse Reactions System (VAERS) to inform standards) at two months age, again at four ourselves of injury reports. Role of Vaccines months, and again at six months. (7) Side effects published by Merck & Co. Although Thimerosal has been largely re- warn the public about potential pain, fever, Reminiscences of America’s Children moved from vaccines (with exception of some nausea, dizziness and itching after receiv- in the 1930s as Compared with Today fl u and most tetanus booster vaccines), new ing the vaccine which comprise 77% of the and the Possible Role of Vaccines in cases of autism are still emerging. The proba- adverse reactions reported. But other more ble reason may be the ever-increasing number Causing Retrogressive Changes serious side effects reported include paraly- of vaccines given during infancy. (8) From the sis, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, By Harold Buttram, MD, FAACP standpoint of infants’ immune systems, giv- seizures and deaths. ing seven or eight vaccines together on three The public interest group “Judicial As one of today’s senior citizens who grew separate occasions during infancy might be Watch” reports (as of Oct. 6/07)” that in ad- up in a Midwestern state in the 1930s, and comparable with the infants’ immune systems dition to previous adverse reactions, there as a doctor who has treated many children, I being faced with seven or eight diseases at the also have been another 1,824 adverse reac- may have a special vantage point of time and same time. There is little wonder that their im- tions to the drug, bringing the “known total” experience in regard to the changes that have mune as well as nervous systems commonly of such problems to 3,461, including 371 se- taken place in the health of America’s chil- run amuck under such challenges. rious reactions. Another eight deaths in just dren since the relatively innocent times of the A survey commissioned by Generation Res- the past few months are being connected to 1930s. At summer camps in the New Mexico cue compared vaccinated and unvaccinated in Gardasil.” Mountains that I was fortunate to attend, no nine counties in Oregon and California. Among “Of the 77 women who received the vac- boy had allergies, none was on medication, more than 9,000 boys age 4–17, the survey cine while pregnant, 33 experienced side and no boy was ever sick with the common found vaccinated boys were two and a half effects ranging from spontaneous abortion to ailments of today. It was much the same in times (155%) more likely to have neurologi- fetal abnormities.” schools. I don’t recall ever seeing a child with cal disorders than their unvaccinated peers. For “In light of this information, it is disturb- easily recognized behaviors now described as older vaccinated boys in the 11–17 age bracket, ing that state and local governments might hyperactivity (ADHD) or autism. the results were even more pronounced, with mandate in any way this vaccine for young Today in stark contrast, approximately 158% more likely to have neurological disor- girls,” said Tom Fitton, the group’s president. one third of our youngsters are affl icted with ders, 317% more likely to have ADHD, and “These adverse reactions reports suggest the the 4-A Disorders (Autism, ADHD, Asthma, 112% more likely to have autism. (9) vaccine not only causes serious side effects, and Allergies), as described and documented According to this observer, it appears but might even be fatal.” by Dr. Kenneth Bock. (1) School budgets are that we are undergoing an unprecedented GlaxoSmithKline will soon release an being strained to the breaking points in pro- national tragedy with no end in sight. How HPV vaccine, called Cervarix, which contains viding special education classes for autistic could this possibly be happening? To answer more HPV viral types and is formulated with and learning disabled children. Allergy prob- this question I will cite two little-noted stud- the proprietary adjuvant system AS04 that in- lems are proliferating, as indicated by long ies published many years ago. The fi rst was duces more powerful immune responses, and lines of children at school nursing stations for published in the New England Journal of is claimed to be two times stronger than re- their noontime medications. Medicine in 1984. (10) In this study a sig- sponses to the aluminum adjuvant in Merck’s Could today’s infant and childhood vac- nifi cant though temporary drop of T-helper Gardasil. AS04 is composed of aluminum salt cine programs, with their steadily increasing lymphocytes was found in 11 healthy adults and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). This ad- numbers of vaccines, be a contributory following routine tetanus booster vaccina- juvant forces the immune system to mount an cause of this ominous health trend? As re- tions. Special concern rests in the fact that exaggerated immune response and has previ- fl ected in the U.S. Congressional Hearings in four of the eleven subjects their T-lym- ously been linked to autoimmune disorders. (1999 to Dec., 2004) on issues of vaccine phocytes fell to levels seen in active AIDS In a letter to the Canadian Medical Asso- safety, in which major defi ciencies in vac- patients. If this was the result of a single vac- ciation Journal, Merck’s director of scientifi c cine safety testing were disclosed, it is a real cine in healthy adults, it is sobering to think of affairs boasts that “antibody concentrations possibility that vaccines may be one of the possible consequences from today’s multiple remain from 10 to 20 times that found in major, if not the major cause of this trend. (2) vaccines routinely administered to infants. natural infections for at least 5 years post- Epidemiologic surveys from four widely And yet, to the best of my knowledge, this vaccination”. Medical science has known for separated geographic areas found that fully study has never been repeated. years that antibodies are not the “be all and vaccinated children had signifi cantly more In a similar fashion A.L.Low (Chicago, end all” of immunity. True immunity is vastly allergic disorders than those with limited or 1955) performed EEGs on 83 children before more complex than an antibody count. Sci- no vaccines. (3-6) Although public health of- and after pertussis immunization. (11) In two ence also knows that eliciting high antibodies fi cials remain in denial about a causal relation of these children he found abnormal EEGs can disable the cellular immune system, leav- between the mercurial vaccine preservative, without other signs or symptoms of abnormal ing the person wide open to other infections. Thimerosal, and the current epidemic of au- reactions. These two studies, showing clear http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/ tism, the facts remain irrefutable. Thimerosal evidence that signifi cant immunologic and cmaj.070944v1 Aug 23/07 in CMAJ letters has now been removed from most vaccines, neurological consequences can take place even √ but in the 1990s, when the incidence of with single vaccines, do not constitute proof childhood autism peaked, infants commonly of harm from vaccines, but they are important Declining Child Health continued on page 10 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 9 Declining Child Health continued from page 9 Seeking an these deaths occur despite widespread clues. What they do prove is an ongoing pat- Alternative vaccination coverage in these countries. tern of negligence of many years in following In the third world: The reasons why up on these and other similar studies. By Ian Sinclair vaccination fails to prevent these tens Almost totally lacking until now, the great of thousands of deaths should be obvious need is for defi nitive before-and-after tests As parents become aware of the dangers to any logical thinker. specifi cally designed to search for possible and ineffi cacy of childhood vaccines, they • Vaccines do nothing to correct the nutri- adverse effects of vaccines on the neurologi- will, for obvious reasons, seek an alternative tional status of a malnourished child. cal and immune systems as well as genetics approach to safeguard their children’s health. • Vaccines do nothing to purify a child’s of our children, and in fi nding adverse effects, Many parents choose a practice known body that has been poisoned from drink- to make appropriate safety modifi cations in as “Homeopathic Prophylaxis” sometimes ing polluted and contaminated water. vaccine programs. Based on personal experi- referred to as homeopathic vaccination. • Vaccines do nothing to raise the vitality ence, alerting authorities to this need has been Other parents employ vitamin and mineral of a child whose vitality has been de- like trying to start a fi re with wet kindling. supplements in the belief that they will pleted through poverty and despair. Yet our very survival as a society may be in- strengthen their child’s immune system, • Vaccines do nothing to remove the root volved in this specifi c issue. In my opinion, while others prefer their children to con- causes of childhood infection and other the time is long overdue for a total rethinking tract the childhood infections in the belief infectious diseases and it is for this rea- and redirecting of current childhood vaccine that it will give them natural life-long son that vaccines have failed to prevent programs. Until the safety of such programs immunity. There are many parents who the tens of thousands of deaths in Third can be assured by thorough and depend- are just plain uncertain or confused as to World countries. able safety testing, any further mandating of what alternatives to embrace and there- In developed countries: In devel- childhood vaccines will remain morally and fore live in a constant state of fear and oped countries like USA, Australia, ethically untenable. anxiety over their children’s health. England etc, deaths from childhood infec- So how do those parents, who reject tions are quite rare, however, there are still References: vaccination yet remain uncertain of the al- thousands of cases of measles, whooping (1) Bock, Kenneth and Stauth, Cameron. Healing the New ternatives, choose an approach that gives cough, chicken pox etc reported annual- Childhood Epidemics: them the confidence and certainty of safe- ly. Although the root causes of childhood Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies, Ballantine Books, guarding their children’s health? infections in these countries are less obvi- New York, 2007. In my opinion, such parents must do ous, they are, I believe, most often related (2) Kirby, David, Evidence of Harm, St Martine’s Press, New York, 2005. two things; Firstly, they must gain a clear to faulty diet, overfeeding, and chemical (3) Shaneen S. et al, Measles and atopy in Guinea-Bissau, understanding of the root causes of child- and toxic pollutants. Lancet, June 19, 1996; 347:1792-1796. hood infection. This will not only reveal to Once again, herein lays the reasons why (4) Odent, M.R. Pertussis vaccination and asthma: Is there a them the reasons why vaccines are ineffec- vaccines provide no protection against link? JAMA, 1994; 271:229-231. tive, but more importantly, it will reveal to these childhood infections. (5) Alm J.S. et al, Atopy in children of families with anthro- them the true means of disease prevention. • Vaccines do nothing to correct the nu- posophic lifestyle, Lancet, May 1, 1999; 353:1485-1488. Secondly, they must gain a clear un- tritional imbalances caused by faulty (6) Kemp T. et al, Is infant immunization a risk factor for derstanding of what childhood infection diet. childhood asthma or allergy? Epidemiology, Nov., 1997; is. This will enable parents to overcome • Vaccines do nothing to unclog the di- 8(6):678-680. their fears of childhood infection and offer gestive and intestinal tracts of overfed (7) Buttram, H.E., Vaccines, mercury, and genetic change, them an insight into a method of treatment children. Vaccine Risk Awareness Network Inc.(VRAN), Winter- Spring, 2007, page 20. that not only allows their children to re- • Vaccines do nothing to detoxify a (8) Blaylock, R.L. What they don’t tell you about vaccina- cover from childhood infections quickly child’s body which is encumbered with tion dangers can and without complications or suffering, chemical and toxic wastes. kill you or ruin your life, Vaccine Risk Awareness Network, but ensures that their children will be in • Vaccines do nothing to remove these Inc. Spring/Summer 2005, Page 1. better health afterwards. root causes of childhood infection and (9) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews. this is evidenced by the fact that in the php?newsid=75333, Issue July 13, 2007. For complete The Root Causes of Childhood US, England, Australia etc, up to 90% survey results: http://www.GenerationRescue.org Infection of reported cases of measles, whoop-
Page 12 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Vaccines— pleted, vaccines are given to ALL children, Mutated Live Vaccine Why Fear Sells regardless of the condition of their health, Polioviruses Pollute family history or genetics. By Sherri Tenpenny, DO 2. Vaccine safety studies are short. Most Water, Paralyze clinical trials monitor for side effects a paltry 21 by Barbara Loe Fisher It’s interesting how a discussion about days, sometimes, it is only for 5 days. It can take vaccination can quickly become heated and months before immune system complications In yet another stunning example of ar- sometimes even hostile. Would the same appear. This arbitrary deadline, established by rogant and immoral behavior, doctors at the debate rage over an antibiotic or an antihy- the FDA, precludes associating vaccines with World Health Organization (WHO) and Cen- pertensive medicine if there was evidence the chronic health disorders. “Safe” is a designa- ters for Disease Control (CDC) admitted last drug was causing harm? When it becomes tion given based on limited information. week that they deliberately did not tell “the obvious that thousands have been injured by 3. Vaccine safety studies do not use a true public” that neurovirulent mutated vaccine a drug such as Vioxx, it is removed from the placebo. One of the Gold Standards in medi- strain live polio viruses are polluting world market. We stop the use of drugs until they cal research is the “placebo-controlled” trial. water supplies and are responsible for polio are proven safe. And we sue. An inactive substance such as a sugar pill is outbreaks among children in Nigeria and Not so with vaccines. Vaccines are pro- given as a placebo to one group of partici- other countries. Dr. David Heymann, a leader moted with fanfare until they are statistically pants, while the treatment group is given the in WHO’s polio eradication effort, reportedly proven to cause harm to a large number of new drug. The data is analyzed to compare the explained that WHO “considered the [Nige- persons. The thousands of individuals who number of side effects that occurred in those rian] outbreak to be a problem for scientists suffer from vaccine reactions in proportion given the drug compared to the numbers of and not something that would change global to the millions who have been vaccinated are side effects that occurred in those given the vaccination practices” so WHO didn’t share not considered to be a mathematically sig- placebo. However, the “placebo” used in vac- the information with the public until now. nifi cant statistic. However, the more than $1 cine research is not an inert substance such http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071005/ billion that has been paid to vaccine-injured as sterile water; it is another vaccine. Inert, ap_on_he_me/nigeria_polio_paradox persons shows that safety is not all that is it sterile water doesn’t cause a reaction; as sub- There is a lot of information that WHO promoted to be. Why the double standard? stitute vaccine can. If both groups of babies and CDC offi cials have not shared with the Vaccination is built around a “belief in a trial have the same number of reactions, public about what forcing worldwide use of system.” We believe vaccines are safe; we the study reports that the vaccine “is as safe a live oral polio for 40 years has done. The believe vaccines are important to health; we as a placebo.” This is deceptive science. Sabin live polio vaccine - which is the public believe the stories that vaccines are solely 4. Vaccine-induced antibodies do not cor- health community’s main claim to fame and responsible for the elimination of smallpox relate with protection. In fact, the esteemed fortune in the 20th century - may not only and polio. And we really want to believe that journal, Vaccine stated this clearly “…It have unleashed the most feared autoimmune our doctors have read all the available infor- is known that, in many instances, antigen- disorder to plague man in two centuries but mation on vaccines—pro and con—and are specifi c antibody titers do not correlate with also has created mutant paralytic viruses that telling us the complete truth about vaccines. protection.” The full reference can be found could cripple many more humans than would However, belief is based on faith, not neces- at PMID: 11587808 have been crippled if the live virus polio vac- sarily on fact. For example, we\ want to believe Vaccination has been accepted as safe, cine had never been used at all. that vaccinating our children will keep them effective and protective. The shots can be The US abandoned the Sabin live polio from getting sick with measles or chickenpox. described as a medical “sacred cow,” by defi - vaccine in 1999 and switched to the inacti- However, there is a plethora of information nition, “a medical procedure unreasonably vated Salk vaccine that cannot cause vaccine documenting this is not necessarily so. immune to criticism.” The strong response is strain polio. So why are billions of dollars Why is there an almost desperate need to the reaction to a suggestion that the “cow” being spent to pour the risky live virus polio defend the current belief—and trust—in vac- should be “sacrifi ced.” It is heresy to suggest vaccine into the mouths of the poorest babies cines? The public’s view of disease seems to that the status quo is wrong. in the most underprivileged countries in the be similar to our current view on terrorism: When Copernicus insisted that the sun, not world where sanitation and water supplies Random attacks that are potentially deadly. the earth, was the center of the solar system, are already compromised? The media hawks this view of childhood ill- it went against the philosophical and religious The worst part of this deception is that nesses and the need for vaccines. Pharma sells beliefs held during the medieval times. When WHO and CDC spin doctors are trying to con- it, doctors push it, and educational institutions two other Italian scientists of the time, Gali- vince parents in Africa, India and elsewhere reinforce it. They keep selling it because most leo and Bruno, embraced Copernican theory that it is the “unvaccinated” who are causing readily buy into it, without question. There is their comments were considered blasphe- vaccine strain polio outbreaks even though a “just in case” or “better be safe than sorry” mous. Bruno was tried before the Inquisition, many of these children are getting 9 or 10 mentality when it comes to vaccination and condemned and burned at the stake in 1600. polio vaccinations. Although public health illness with children.* After nearly 200 years Thirty years later, Galileo was brought for- offi cials are trying to blame polio outbreaks of use, fear still sells vaccination. ward and in front of his “Betters,” was forced on the “unvaccinated”, the medical literature What do we really know about vaccines? to renounce his beliefs under the threat of documents that assertion to be false. A review of the literature and the CDC docu- torture and death. Even after his confession, http://vaccineawakening.blogspot.com/ ments reveals the following: he was sentenced to imprisonment for the re- search?q=India%2C+polio+vaccine 1. Vaccine safety studies are relatively mainder of his days. Below is just a sampling of articles from small and include only healthy children. The more one investigates vaccination and the medical literature about mutated vaccine However when a vaccine trial has been com- Vaccines—Why Fear Sells continued on page 14 Mutated Polio Vaccines continued on page 14 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 13 Mutated Polio Vaccines continued on page 14 strain was consistent with less than 1 year cir- It is time to take the holy robes off of doc- strain polio viruses causing paralytic disease culation in human population and was highly tors and scientists who are tinkering with in vaccinated populations: virulent in transgenic mice, confi rming the the biological integrity of the human race (1) In 1999, Paul Fine took information ability of VDPV to persist in communities and the ecological balance on earth. The from a WHO document and published an despite high levels of immunity.” parents in Africa and India, who are fl eeing article in the American Journal of Epidemi- (6) In 2005, Russian and FDA research- from the vaccine-wielding doctors hunt- ology on the transmissability and persistence ers published an article in Journal of Virology ing their children down, are not ignorant or of oral polio viruses. He concluded that “the in which they reported on results of a study crazy. They are exercising common sense. fi ndings indicate that OPV viruses could per- of vaccine-derived isolates from “an im- sist under various plausible circumstances” munocompromised poliomyelitis patient, Medical literature articles: after mass vaccination with live OPV around the contacts, and the local sewage.” They the world is stopped. acknowledged that “The increased neuro- http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/ajep/ab- (2) In 2000, Israeli and CDC researchers virulence of vaccine derivatives has been stract.00000429- 199911150- 00001.htm;jse reported in the Journal of Clinical Microbiol- known since the beginning of OPV use, but ssionid=HKgZjMMTjTzWZ9tW5wGr0wT ogy that a “highly evolved derivative of the their ability to establish circulation in com- h FLHL2JPG2DxRvhKgywb2NL11TyvJ!- Type 2 oral polio vaccine strain” was iso- munities has been recognized only recently 656639706! 181195629!8091!-1 lated from sewage in Israel. They concluded during the latest stages of the polio eradica- http://jcm.asm.org/cgi/con- that “the presence in the environment of a tion campaign.” They go on to discuss the tent/abstract/38/10/3729) highly evolved, neurovirulent OPV- derived new recombinant type 2/type1 genome that http://vir.sgmjournals.org/cgi/ poliovirus in the absence of polio cases has has developed as a result of mass use of live content/asbtract/83 /5/1107 important implications for strategies for the polio vaccine as well as “another mutation in http: //jvi.asm.org/cgi/con- cessation of immunization with OPV follow- the VP3 protein” that may facilitate “virus tent/full/76/13/6791) ing global polio eradication.” spread in immunized populations.” http://www/pnas.org/cgi/con- (3) In 2002, Japanese researchers reported Their conclusion: tent/abstract/100/16/9 398 in the Journal of General Virology on a 1993- http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/con- 1995 survey of poliovirus in river and sewage tent/abstract/79/2/1062) It is time to take the holy robes water. They concluded that “The prevalence Article reprinted from NVIC E-Bulletin sent off of doctors and of virulent type vaccine derived polioviruses October 11, 2007: www.nvic.org √ scientists who are tinkering (VDPV’s) in river and sewage water suggest- with the biological integrity of ed that the oral polio vaccine itself had led to the human race and the wide environmental pollution in nature.” ecological balance on earth. (4) In 2002, Russian and FDA research- Vaccines—Why Fear Sells continued on page 14 ers reported in the Journal of Virology on the studies the adverse effects that have been at- “Long Term Circulation of Vaccine-Derived “The patterns and rates of the accumula- tributed to vaccines, the more one becomes a Poliovirus That Causes Paralytic Disease” tion of synonymous mutations in isolates Copernican heretic, speaking out against the after fi nding a highly evolved derivative of collected from the patient over the extended status quo can have deadly consequences. I the Sabin vaccine strain isolated in a case period of [vaccine strain poliovirus] excre- have personally invested more than 8,000 hours of paralytic poliomyelitis from a healthy 7 tion suggest either a substantially nonuniform in revealing the truth about vaccines. If the re- month old baby “in an apparently adequately rate of mutagenesis throughout the genome, sult of this inquiry and exposure is to be called a immunized population.” When the research- or, more likely, the strains may have been heretic, than I am in wonderful company. ers analyzed the genome of the isolate, they intratypic recombinants between coevolving found it was a double (type1-type2) vaccine- derivatives with different degrees of diver- *My thanks to Judy Converse for these derived recombinant and that the number of gence from the vaccine parent. This study insights. http://ezinearticles.com/?Vaccines-- mutations suggested “both had diverged from provides insight into the early stages of the -Why-Fear-Sells&id=610035 their vaccine predecessors.” They concluded establishment of circulation by runaway vac- that, “The reported data indicate that vaccine- cine strains.” Dr. Sherri J. Tenpenny is respected as derived viruses may make their way through For too long, vaccine-wielding doctors one of the country’s most knowledgeable narrow breaches and evolve into transmissi- employed by the U.S. government and world- and outspoken physicians regarding the ble pathogens even in adequately immunized wide medical organizations, like the WHO, negative impacts of vaccines on health. populations.” have joined with pharmaceutical compa- Through her education company, NMA (5) In 2003, Russian and FDA researchers nies and conned politicians and populations Media Press, she spreads her vision of published in the Proceedings of the National around the world into accepting forced use of retaining freedom of choice in healthcare, Academy of Sciences a “Microarray analy- vaccines that have not been properly tested including the freedom to refuse vaccina- sis of evolution of RNA viruses: Evidence of and regulated. tion. Available from VRAN are her three circulation of virulent highly divergent vac- When doctors and scientists think they are hour DVD, Vaccines: The Risk, The Ben- cine-derived polioviruses.” They said “We entitled to experiment on people and keep efi ts and The Choices, and her new book identifi ed a type-3 VDPV (vaccine derived those medical experiments secret, it is no FOWL! Bird fl u: It’s Not What You Think. polio virus) isolated from a healthy person wonder that iatrogenic diseases like cancers, For additional educational materials: and missed by conventional methods of AIDS and mutated vaccine strain viral dis- http://www.nmaseminars.com/VaccineInfo- screening. The mutational profi le of the polio eases soon follow. Home.html √
Page 14 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Eighteen Years to type; and of 1918 and 1986 to an H1 type. Flu Vaccine—Setting Flu Pandemic? Each of the pairs of types caused pandemics the Record Straight that were exactly 68 years apart. The formu- By Susan Fletcher la she’s discovered for the repetition of the Note: Following is an expanded ver- infl uenza types is: H2, H3, H1; H2, H3, H1 sion of VRAN’s response to Get the fl u In case you’re wondering what’s hap- with 68 years between the return to pandemic shot – For everyone’s sake, a Globe & pened with bird fl u lately, the answer is: not strength for each of the types. Mail article of October 2, 2007, laud- much. Noting the resistance of H5N1 to mu- Could we fi nd any better indication of the ing the benefi ts of fl u vaccine. tate into a virus easily transmissible between innate intelligence of our world? Judging by humans, Tony Delamothe, deputy editor Butler’s formula, the infl uenza virus has been Dr. Evan’s article is an all too famil- of the British Medical Journal remarks, acting as a natural method of population con- iar warm up to the coming flu season and “Ten years after the strain fi rst appeared trol one generation at a time. the barrage of propaganda and misinfor- in humans, it has killed just 191 people…a Meanwhile, the drug companies are hap- mation that will follow. However, unless similar number of people die on the roads py; they’ve been paid in advance for endless people consider more solid data, it is easy world wide every 84 minutes.” orders of anti-virals and development of vac- to flounder on a charged topic like this. A In fact, rather than “avian fl u”, “pandemic cines. Governments are satisfi ed that their fact that most people are unaware of is that fl u” is the latest terminology being used for electorates can see they’re taking decisive only a small minority of seasonal influenza some unknown viral entity which we can all action. But, in the process, taxpayers have like illnesses (ILI) are actually Influenza. fear. Nothing will capture our attention and been looted with nothing to show for it. Birds This is corroborated by the Public Health render us submissive to government regula- have been slaughtered by the trillions and Agency of Canada’s FluWatch every year. tions and mandates more than something many “third world” farming poor have been Fact: The Public Health Agency’s that’s life threatening and unknown. stripped of their livelihood. yearly stats in FluWatch report that on av- In June, a Toronto gathering of prognosti- Referring to the deaths of domestic and erage only 10-15% of ILI (influenza like cators, called “the largest fl u meeting ever”, wild birds, Dr Sherry Tenpenny remarks: illnesses) analyzed by labs across Canada was told that a rise in fl u deaths in people 80 “The mass culling of our early-warning mes- are actually influenza. The majority of “in- yrs and older had concealed a large drop in sengers is akin to shutting off a blaring fi re fluenza like illnesses” which present with fl u deaths in overall populations in the US, alarm without looking for a fi re.” In her book, identical symptoms to influenza are linked Canada, France and Australia. Veteran fl u Fowl! Bird Flu: It’s Not What You Think, to other pathogens, against which flu researcher, Dr Tom Reichert said that, since Tenpenny makes an excellent case for the shots are completely ineffective. The ma- the last mild fl u pandemic of 1968, fl u deaths role of environmental toxins as the major jority of seasonal miseries called the flu” had been dropping “like a stone”. And this, cause of deaths from avian fl u. Of course, she are NOT Influenza and regardless of how he said, was regardless of the predominant is right; whatever infl uenza virus mutates to many people get the vaccine, it’s not go- fl u strain and whether vaccination programs predominate, it’s the health of Earth and the ing to change this reality. were in place. related health of humans that will determine Fact: During the 2006-2007 flu season But, according to Reichert, this drop in the death count in the pandemic to come. Per- in Canada, swabs taken from patients pre- deaths could be bad news as well as good. haps we should start doing something now. senting with an influenza like illness were He explained that, if the current predominant Eighteen years isn’t a lot of time to sent to labs across Canada for testing. strains of infl uenza are becoming less viru- clean up. From August 27, 2006 to May 5, 2007, lent and/or we are becoming more resistant 86,269 swabs from patients were ana- to them, new more virulent strains could dis- References: lyzed. Of these, 7,976 tested positive for place them. We could then be facing the big the Influenza virus—i.e. 9.2 % were In- one, “pandemic fl u”. 1. Editor’s Choice; FAFfi ng about fluenza. The rest, 78,293 or 92% of these In a response to Delamothe’s article in the by Tony Delamothe, deputy editor, “influenza like illnesses” were attributed BMJ, Hilary Butler, co-author of Just a Little BMJ 2007;334 (30 June), doi:10.1136/ to other pathogens and were NOT Influ- Prick, agrees we could be due for a pandem- bmj.39259.443646.47 http://www.bmj. enza. This is a snapshot of what goes on ic—but not until 2025. It appears that, unlike com/cgi/content/full/334/7608/0 in the rest of the general population year those who’ve been tracking avian fl u, attend- 2. Jabs Slash Flu Deaths Among in, year out. The majority of influenza like ing large conferences and spreading the word The Elderly, 28th June 2007, 00:35 illnesses are NOT Influenza and cannot be that an infl uenza pandemic is “imminent”, http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory. prevented by the vaccine. this diligent researcher has gathered signifi - asp?story=LJ2839017E&news_ http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ cant facts. headline=jabs_slash_fl u_deaths_ fluwatch/06-07/w18_07/index.html By applying simple arithmetic to the his- among_the_elderly Fact: Dr. Thomas Jefferson of the torical timing of past fl u pandemics and, at 3. Is your guess like mine? By Hil- prestigious Cochrane Vaccines Field has the same time, noting the shifts in predomi- lary Butler http://www.bmj.com/ published findings two years in a row that nant infl uenza strains, she has come up with cgi/content/full/334/7608/0 shed light on the over-inflated benefits a simple formula by which future pandemics 4. Fowl! Bird Flu: It’s Not What You Think of flu vaccination. Conclusion’s from his can possibly be predicted. by Dr Sherri J Tenpenny; 2006 √ team’s review of all the major studies world Butler has noted that the pandemics of wide of the effects of influenza vaccine 1889 and 1957 were due to an H2 type of can be read at: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/ infl uenza strain; of 1900 and 1968 to an H3 content/short/333/7574/912?ehom=&eaf Flu Vaccine continued on page 16 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 15 Flu Vaccine continued from page 15 “Simonsen says the 1997-1998 flu sea- “There has been Dr. Jefferson concludes that: son perfectly illustrates the point. That an Accident” • Evidence from systematic reviews shows year, the vaccine was totally mismatched that inactivated vaccines have little or no with the circulating flu strain, she says. So by Wendy Callahan effect on the effects measured. even though 63% of the eligible elderly • Most studies are of poor methodological got their flu shots, coverage was effec- No fi ve words strike more terror in the quality and the impact of confounders is tively zero. heart. The frantic ride to the accident scene, high. Despite this, there were approximate- seeing your loved one lying helpless on the • Little comparative evidence exists on the ly 5,000 fewer excess deaths in this age ground, watching the paramedics work— safety of these vaccines. A re-evaluation group than there were the next flu season, there are few things more distressing. of vaccine policies should be urgently when the same percentage of people were You place your faith in the ER staff and undertaken, “given the huge resources vaccinated and the vaccine did match the their abilities. Most of us depend on them to involved and the gap between policy and flu strain. make the best decisions possible and employ evidence”. Fact: Regarding the 36,000 influenza every skill. But what happens when they deaths in the U.S., searches for a source of fall short? What happens when a protocol is At great public cost, this statistic have found it to be a fictitious in place that causes more harm than good? Ontario’s universal number invented by the CDC and simply What happens if the coherent patient refuses influenza vaccination not based in reality. a procedure that is part of the protocol and program has not been shown Yet this fictitious number is enthusias- is forced to submit to it against his will? If to reduce cases of seasonal tically regurgitated by both the U.S. and “no” means “no” on a date, why doesn’t “no” Influenza in that province. Canadian media year in and year out. mean “no” in a hospital? Dr. Edward Yazbak, MD searched the It seems innocent enough—a tetanus shot National Vital Statistics Report just a year after a bad road rash from a motor scooter ac- Fact: At great public cost, Ontario’s ago (July 2006). He writes—“Certified cident. But is it? What are the chances tetanus universal influenza vaccination program figures about Influenza morbidity, [J10- bacillus is lying in wait, ready to pounce on has not been shown to reduce cases of sea- J11] were listed on page 31 of the report. the unsuspecting accident victim? sonal Influenza in that province. A study There were, in all, 257 influenza deaths According to the CDC, not likely. As of led by Dr. Dianne Groll and published in recorded in 2001. May 12, 2007, three cases of tetanus had been the June 2006 issue of “Vaccine” concluded This report was published September reported this year. In all of 2006 there were that, “Despite increased vaccine distri- 18, 2003 and was the last official U.S. 37 cases. Standard care is to give the vaccine bution and financial resources towards government report on influenza mortal- to any patient with a puncture wound or an promotion, the incidence of influenza in ity prior to Congressional hearings held in abrasion. But does the vaccine prevent a po- Ontario has not decreased following the February 2004.” tentially fatal case of tetanus from the current introduction of the UIIC.” wound? No. It can take up to two weeks for Fact: February 14, 2005: Research- Notes: tetanus antibodies to form in an unvaccinated ers from the National Institute of Allergy person. So why is this shot being forced on and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) found no 1. Public Health Agency of Canada trauma patients—especially when their vac- correlation between an increase in fl u vac- – FluWatch: http://www.phac-aspc. cination status is unknown? cine coverage over the past 33 years and a gc.ca/fl uwatch/index.html For the sake of argument, let’s say you decrease in infl uenza-related deaths among are exposed to tetanus. Aren’t ER personnel the elderly. The study concluded that despite 2. Dr. Lone Simonsen; Impact of infl u- trained in proper wound hygiene? Should a steadily increasing vaccination rates, “That enza vaccination on seasonal mortality vaccine be used in place of proper wound hy- among those 85 years and older, the mortality in the US elderly population ; Feb. 14, giene? It is an established fact that the decline rate did not change throughout the 33 infl u- 2005 - Archives of Internal Medicine. in the number of tetanus cases is due to ad- enza seasons, [and that] among those 65 to 74 http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-fl u/ vances in the treatment of wounds. years of age, the mortality rate remained the news/20050214/do-fl u-shots-save-lives According to the CDC’s “pink book,” the same since 1980”. effi cacy of injecting the tetanus toxoid as a Furthermore, the percentage of elderly 3. F. Edward Yazbak, MD, FAAP; June 16, means of preventing tetanus has never been Americans who got annual flu shots rose 2006 Calculating U.S. Infl uenza Deaths studied in a vaccine trial. steadily from around 15% before 1980 to http://www.redfl agsdaily. www.cdc.gov/Nip/publications/pink/tetanus.pdf 65% in 2001. com/yazbak/2006_jun16 With the fervor of cult devotees, the medi- Lead researcher, Lone Simonsen notes cal community defends its number one sacred that the dramatic increase in coverage 4. VRAN website, Infl uenza articles: http:// cow, vaccination—in this case the tetanus should have led to a dramatic drop in flu www.vran.org/vaccines/fl u/fl u-jefferson-06. vaccine—and relies on “faith” that it works. deaths, but, “This is not what we found. htm √ Let’s take a look at a few of the vaccine’s Certainly if this intervention really does ingredients: Aluminum, Formaldehyde, reduce winter deaths in the elderly by 50% residual glutaraldehyde, a toxic chemical we would expect to see it. So the mortality preservative that causes severe eye, nose, benefits are probably very much overesti- throat and lung irritation, headaches, drowsi- mated.” ness and dizziness. The tetanus vaccine also “There has been an accident” continued on page 17 Page 16 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter “There has been an accident” continued from page 16 LETTERS a very complex issue. I understand, I really contains 2-phenoxyethanol which, according do. I used to believe that parents who don’t to the MSDS sheet, is harmful if swallowed, Re: The persecution of Dr. Andrew vaccinate their children are abusive. Now I inhaled or absorbed through the skin; it may Wakefi eld have come to understand the opposite. They cause reproductive defects and is a severe are protecting their children! Letter to Brian Deer, well known British eye and skin irritant. http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/ It took me years to comprehend how peo- journalist, whose vicious attacks on Dr. MSDS/PH/2-phenoxyethanol.html ple could knowingly hurt my child. I couldn’t Wakefi eld caused the General Medical The tetanus vaccine comes with diphtheria understand why anyone would willingly and Council to bring “unprofessional conduct” toxoid. Although skin diphtheria infections purposely injure babies. I’ve come to the charges against him regarding his work occur, the most common form of the infec- conclusion that it’s a complex mixture of ig- with autistic children who regressed into tion occurs in the tonsils and pharynx. And, norance, blind faith, and confl ict of interest. autism following MMR vaccination. just for good measure, a neurotoxin called I have met several physicians who believed “thimerosal” helps keep the vaccine clean. My son was one of the perfectly healthy in vaccination as strongly as I did until their That’s the controversial, mercurial compound babies who were willfully injected with toxins own children succumbed to the toxins and that has been strongly linked to autism and such as mercury and aluminum in shots that fell into autism. We all do what we believe is Alzheimer’s. Inserted into that mix is a teta- were supposed to protect him. He was also best for our children at the time, and as they nus toxoid. Now inject that witch’s brew into injected with an experimental MMR vaccine say, when we know better, we do better. an immune system no one on the planet has without my informed consent. So I understand you really believe what a comprehensive grasp of and you have just In Canada, there are no consent papers to you are saying. As did I. I also know in my added insult to injury. This concoction, remi- sign regarding adverse effects. We are bul- heart that you will learn and come to know niscent of “eye of newt and spleen of bat,” lied into doing it without even knowing what the truth, as I did. And when you do, I hope cannot possibly be benefi cial to a healthy, could happen to our perfect children. As I’m you fi nd within yourself the courage to battle much less injured, body. sure you are aware, vaccines can and do cause for the cause of our children’s health as pub- A quick search of Vaccine Adverse Event damage to infants. Otherwise there would be licly and adamantly as you are now battling Reporting System data yields this paraphrased no Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in our hero, Dr. Wakefi eld. result: Found 242 events with age from 0 to the US. In Canada, we don’t even have that. I wish you strength in what is sure to be a 80. Vaccine: Tetanus. Vaccination date: From Nearly every parent I’ve ever asked who challenging journey to the truth. 2007–01 to 2007–05. This means 242 people has a child with autism has told me that it The story of what happened to us is at: had a bad enough reaction to actually take happened shortly after the child was given http://www.vran.org/news-art/news/news_ time out of their day to fi ll out a report. If shots, usually the MMR shot. I have video fi les/Van-Courier-Shot-Down.htm three people so far have contracted tetanus documentation of my perfect child, changing Cynthia Stark, Vancouver, B.C. and 242 have had a reaction to the shot, what overnight. Denying the cumulative experi- does that say about the risk/benefi t ratio? ence of parents whose children are damaged In defense of Dr. Wakefi eld Aside from the obvious and observable, by vaccines, is an insult to our intelligence I am a licensed registered dietitian with published medical literature scientifi cally and our families, and most importantly, to our graduate and undergraduate degrees in nu- proves that routine administration of the beloved children. trition. My practice, active since 1999, is tetanus shot is both ineffective and unsafe, Approximately 1% of children now have comprised almost entirely of vaccine injured having been found responsible for a long autism, Each of those children have parents, children who have autism and bowel dis- list of adverse effects that include sterilizing grandparents, aunts and uncles who watched ease. No one is helping these children. Their women. We need a deprogramming team in their perfect little baby slide into illness and MD providers leave them on Prevacid and the medical community. pain. Lives are crushed; homes are broken. steroids to mask their symptoms, surgically Let’s insist the medical community put I remember so vividly going to an end-of insert gastrectomy tubes when they can’t its confi dence in sound, tested, scientifi - year party at my son’s classmates’ house— grow, and refer them to behavior classes for cally-based medical practices with good, both parents were GPs, and staring at their potty training. basic wound hygiene instead of practicing ornately tiled hallway fl oor, mesmerized, These are useless measures that the faith based, cult-like, vaccine-obsessed wondering which corner of which tile my worsen the lives of these children. dogma that permeates America’s ERs. son’s life bought. They respond well to nutrition care and spe- If you’ve read anything about vaccine cial diets—they begin to grow, eat, and sleep Wendy Callahan is the Co-Director of Vac- history at all, you’ll know that childhood normally. They have normal eliminations cination Liberation, a leading U.S. group diseases were already declining before im- for the fi rst time in their lives. They begin that advocates for the repeal of forced munizations, due to improved nutrition and to speak again, to look in their parents’ eyes vaccination laws in that country— hygiene. People were living in such squalid directly. Nearly all are gluten intolerant with www.vaclib.org √ conditions with poor nutrition that they be- elevated antigliadin antibodies. came susceptible to germs that would have I can not fi nd pediatric gastroenterologists been harmless to a child with a strong im- willing to help these children, who need im- mune system. pactions cleared, prescription enzymes, gut If you’ve read about vaccine politics, biopsy, endoscopy, or other measures I can’t you’ll know that vaccines are known to cause provide. illness and even the diseases they are sup- I have also encountered adults with au- posed to protect against sometimes. This is tism who have been denied appropriate care Letters continued on page 19 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 17 Vaccines on Trial in Great Britain By Don Harkins Reprinted from the Vaclib Letter, Fall 2007
Tribunals convened in August, 2007, to hear charges by the British General Medical Council that Drs. Donegan and Wake- fi eld should have their licenses to practice medicine revoked for unprofessional conduct with regard to their public position on vaccines. It seems, however, that licensure of these physicians is no longer at issue: Vaccines themselves are on trial and all On August 24, 2007, general practitio- Dr. Andrew Wakefi eld has been under ner Dr. Jayne Donegan was cleared the world’s a jury—the verdict attack by the medical establishment of charges that she intentionally could spark a global reversal of since 1998—after the release of his misled the court on the dangers of study linking the live measles virus in vaccines as an expert witness in a vaccinators’ good fortunes. the MMR vaccine to “leaky gut syn- child custody case. drome” in autism. ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
British physicians singled out were being challenged by fathers trying to cet in 1998. The gastroenterologist and Two British physicians have been sin- use the mothers’ decisions not to vaccinate his colleagues described a unique pattern gled out for inquiry regarding their beliefs as a means to prove negligence enroute to of bowel inflammation that developed in that vaccines are dangerous. Dr. Jayne being awarded custody. children who had regressed into autism Donegan and Dr. Andrew Wakefield have In her expert capacity, Dr. Donegan, who soon after MMR vaccination. They be- been defending themselves from bogus has written several well-researched and lieved the severe bowel disorder was part charges made against them by the Gen- referenced articles on the dangers of vac- of a new disease - autistic enterocolitis. eral Medical Council (GMC) in tribunals cines, submitted an extensive report giving While the majority of his fellow research- intended to publicly humiliate them, sus- a different view of the vaccine issue. GMC ers have recanted, Wakefield has stood by pend their professional licenses, destroy officials subsequently charged Dr. Done- their original findings their careers and silence their voices. But gan with being misleading, biased, “guilty Wakefield also found particles of vac- that is not happening. of serious professional misconduct” and cine strain measles virus in the intestinal Before the Fitness to Practice Panel said her actions were, “likely to bring the tissue of the majority of autistic children of the GMC, Dr. Donegan was cleared profession into disrepute.” he examined. He began testing the theory of all six charges August 24, 2007, after The panel found that none of the alle- that measles virus from MMR vaccine can a 13-day “trial.” gations were proved and that Dr. Donegan colonize the bowel of susceptible children, Dr. Andrew Wakefield has also did not intentionally mislead the court, producing inflammatory bowel disease, been compelled to appear before a did not allow her biases to compromise which then, via a disruption of the chemi- GMC panel with co-defendants Profs. her duty to the litigants and to the court cal balance in the body and the brain, leads Walker-Smith and Simon Murch. The and, therefore, “...the Panel found that [Dr. to autism. trio is currently defending themselves Donegan] was not guilty of serious profes- His findings caused a bitter and ongo- against some 40 charges. sional misconduct.” ing scientific dispute when he first raised The full transcript of the proceedings the alarm over a link between the mea- The vindication of Dr. Donegan is available online at: www.whale.to/vac- sles mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) Dr. Donegan appeared before the GMC cine/donegan3.html and autism. He has been driven from his panel amid charges stemming from her ex- London research position and is now with pert testimony in a 2002 case where two The continuation of Dr. Wakefi eld’s saga Thougthful House in Austin, Texas where separate child custody disputes were be- Dr. Wakefield is perhaps the most per- he continues his research and work with ing resolved in the same hearing. In both secuted living physician. Wakefield’s autistic children. cases, non-vaccinating, custodial mothers findings were first published in The Lan- Says Wakefield, “My opinion on MMR Vaccines on Trial in Great Britain continued on page 19 Page 18 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Vaccines on Trial in Great Britain continued from page 18 Letters continued from page 17 that the only things researchers are concerned vaccine safety is shared by Dr. Jefferson, with gastroenterology. It is medical neglect about for men are erectile dysfunction meds? whose paper published in the journal Vac- beyond belief. HMMMM. Now, three young girls died from cine, stated, ‘The design and reporting of GMC: Do not shoot the messenger. We the vaccine and their families will never be safety outcomes in MMR vaccine studies, need Dr. Wakefi eld to train and enlighten the same. How terribly awful. Remember both pre- and post-marketing, are largely peers in gastrointestinal medicine. I continue DES? The wonder med that would allow inadequate’.” to be astonished at the limited ability and women to hold onto pregnancies? Well, I Dr. Wakefield has since endured a relent- thinking of the pediatricians and gastroen- have a DES daughter, whose cervix was to- less campaign of character assassination terologists treating the children I encounter. tally incompetent due to this medication. We and professional shunning—even though They are doing a terrible job, because they held her dead baby boy, born at 20 weeks be- his findings have since been reproduced are not working with the facts. They are cause there was no way she could hold him by a number of other medical researchers working with pharma industry sales literature in with a cervix destroyed by that medication. around the world. disguised as scientifi c journals. Could the FDA do any worse? Beginning August 6, 2007, the GMC Judy Converse MPH, RD, LD Women: Wake up. Practice abstinence un- began the formality of revoking Dr. Wake- til the right husband comes along, then make field’s license to practice by stacking a HIM go through medical exams to be sure plethora of charges against him in apparent Use Gardasil Promoters as he’s not passing anything off to you. How retribution for his refusal to recant. Guinea Pigs long will we stand for this nonsense? According to witnesses, the transcripts, Judy Dobson, Palliative Care Educator which were freely available online the first Vancouver Courier, published: Friday, From the Br. Med. Ass Journal – Rapid week, while charges were being read with- September 28, 2007 Responses: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/ out rebuttal, are no longer being posted. To the editor: Re: “High hopes for cervical eletters/334/7605/1195#167848 It seems that the defense is destroying the cancer vaccine,” Sept. 14. prosecution and it’s all getting into the re- I’m amazed that, when the “authorities” BC Succumbs to Gardasil— cord which, at this time, is not available. push something like the Gardasil vaccine, Vancouver Courier, Sept. 29 The tribunal will meet until the first there’s so little investigation of the shoddy week of September, break for three weeks, science. I’m sorry, but trials without a non-re- BC’s government has announced it will be resume until prosecution rests sometime in active saline placebo hardly qualify as proper funding Merck’s Gardasil human papilloma late October, then wait until April, 2008, control studies. virus vaccine to the tune of $30 million per for the defense to present its case. If these “experts” are so sure of Gardasil’s year starting a year from now. For the 50,000 At first, the maligning press was vocal, safety, let them be subjected to the 225 mcg. targeted this means a vaccination cost of $600 now it is silent. The prosecution is report- of aluminum per shot calibrated for their full per girl. Although the vaccine’s been in use in edly in disarray. adult weight. Then, let’s monitor them for the US only a year, 7 deaths and 44 near-deaths Witnesses report that the sole com- years to see what neurological, auto-immune closely following its administration have been plainant is Brian Deer—a journalist with or other vaccine induced disease (VIDS) they reported. Since the US Vaccine Event Re- a penchant for bashing medical “heretics” may develop. porting System fi elds reports of only 1–10% and being an apologist for big pharma. In the meantime, let our cocky guinea pigs of all known reactions, this translates into at Witnesses also claim that the GMC is act- answer to the families of the girls already seri- least 7 deaths and 440 near-deaths. This from ing in concert with government health ously harmed by Gardasil who won’t placidly a vaccine that’s never been proven to prevent policy enforcers and pharmaceutical com- accept the usual denial or dismissal of vaccine cervical cancer, the main job it’s meant to do. pany marketing strategies. injury as “coincidental.” What happened to the trial proposed to “The ultimate point of the prosecution Judy Cross, Vancouver determine if cost could be lowered by using is, from the prosecutor’s perspective, to only 2 doses instead of 3? A recent article in defend the regulatory tenets of industrial How Long Will Women Tolerate the Vancouver Courier said only 50 girls had scientific and medical research, isolate Experimentation? been volunteered as test subjects. No mat- Dr. Andrew Wakefield and cast him out ter. Come next September all Grade 6 girls beyond the pale of informed medical opin- Remember the fi rst time the “pill” came will be eligible for the shots. And although at ion,” Prof. Dennis McDevitt observed. out? Remember the strokes, deaths, and com- least fi ve other provinces have committed to See www.whale.to/v/gmc_wakefield. plications? Oh yes, it was “too strong”...so funding, it’s unlikely we’ll hear much about html for details. now we have advanced so that women don’t the outfall. Canada’s vaccine adverse event Read Andrew Wakefield’s enlighten- even have to have a period for 4 months at a reports are elusive and, like the US, reporting ing article titled, “The Seat of the Soul; time. How convenient. For whom? is not mandatory. The Origins of the Autism Epidemic” at: So, now, because a few thousand women The one good thing in all this is that par- http://www.whale.to/v/wakefield23.html who do not use common sense when they ents have a whole year to study the vaccine √ have indiscriminate sexual relations and get and HPV to make informed decisions. cancer, Merck wants to vaccinate every girl Canada’s independent science-based source who’s a teen and it only protects them from of vaccine information is www.vran.org— one kind of virus! why not start there. How long will women be guinea pigs to Susan Fletcher, Sechelt, B.C. line the pockets of others? Have you noticed Letters continued on page 20 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 19 Letters continued from page 19 not advocate a vaccine if it wasn’t safe and sci- like to make a few more points about HPV Re: Breaking through editorial bias entifi cally tested. My contention is that many infection, cervical cancer and the vaccine. in a small town newspaper, Sep. 21, drugs and vaccines are frequently released on First, the FDA in the USA and Health Can- 2007 the market without proper safeguards and test- ada did not approve Merck’s HPV vaccine ing. I am not some fringe group spokesperson for cervical cancer prevention. The fact is, Hi Edda, as there are many in the medical and scientifi c the vaccine has NOT been proven to prevent community who are questioning the funding cervical cancer. The vaccine was only studied Last week I talked to the editor of one of and widespread release of this vaccine. Most for three years and yet it can take ten years our two town newspapers because I wanted of my concerns are addressed in the CMAJ ar- for cervical cancer to develop. to write a ‘letter to the editor’ about my con- ticle and are also recapped on the Vaccination Second, is HPV infection the sole cause cerns re: the HPV vaccine. In the past year, Risk Awareness Network web site http://vran. of cervical cancer? Any medical textbook I have sent two letters to the editor re: vari- org/vaccines/hpv/hpv.htm clearly states that HPV infection is one of ous vaccines and they were not published. All I’m asking is an opportunity, as several factors involved in cervical cancer (Which was a change from previous times). a private citizen, to voice my concerns and include early age at fi rst intercourse, I decided to talk to the editor, Troy Patter- about this vaccine as a letter to the editor. greater number of sexual partners, increasing son, personally and found out that he thought I guess it all comes down to who you believe age, smoking and low socio-economic status. it was irresponsible for him to publish a let- the real health expert is. You appear to be- HPV infections are associated with 70% of all ter that would cause wide spread panic and lieve it is the medical/public health profession cases of cervical cancer and of those, the vast which wasn’t scientifi cally proven (despite and the pharmaceutical industry that supports majority could be prevented with improved the fact that I always reference my com- it, and I believe it isn’t as black and white as nutrition, safe sex, and the kind of screening ments). After a rather heated discussion, that. There are many shades of grey and many and early treatment that is already in place. where I came close to accusing him of cen- differing opinions that are valid and I feel the The vast majority of people will be in- sorship, I sent him the following letter and public has a right to be aware of this. People are fected with HPV in their lifetimes and the then immediately sent him the letter I wished intelligent and are capable of making the right virus clears spontaneously in the immune to have published in the newspaper. His be- health choices if given enough information. system within two years posing no further lief is that the Public Health Unit would I hope you have a chance to peruse some of this risk to health, therefore, is the vaccine even not recommend a vaccine if it was unsafe. information. I did enjoy our conversation as I necessary? Deaths from cervical cancer have You can see what I am fi ghting against here. I believe that through the clash of differing opin- plummeted in Canada, thanks in part to early hope you have a chance to read this. ions we fi nd the truth. Have a good day and let detection due to screening with the Pap test. Colette Harman, N.D. Kincardine, Ontario me know if I can write my letter or not. It is not HPV per se that causes the cancer. It P.S.: As of today, the other newspaper in town M. Colette Harman, N.D. is the immune system’s inability to fi ght and published my letter in full. So the word did get out. clear the virus that is the issue. Hi Edda, The rapid, widespread, and unquestion- Hello Troy (Editor of Kincardine News), ing acceptance of the HPV vaccine as ‘the Re: my letter to the editor about concerns about answer’ to cervical cancer prevention lulls Further to our telephone conversation about the HPV vaccine? This week the local Medical Of- women into a false sense of security and may the concerns I raised re: the Human Papilloma fi cer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn, voiced her opinion stop many from continuing to have Pap tests Virus vaccine and its implementation this year about my letter. She spouted the usual party line once they have been vaccinated. As well, the on all grade 8 girls, you clearly suggested that about the vaccine being an excellent public health safety and effectiveness of this vaccine has the Public Health Unit would not recommend initiative, that I overstated the controversy about not been demonstrated in girls aged 9 to 13 use of a vaccine unless it had been tested and this vaccine. She encouraged parents to get their in- years, the target age group in Canada. Fi- was found safe and necessary. My reply to formation from reputable sources (and rhymed off nally, it has not been determined how many you was that the Ministry of Health, which the usual public health web sites) citing that “many years of ‘protection’ the HPV vaccine pro- oversees all health related directives which other web sites have a vested interest in this issue vides. I am concerned that there are still too are disseminated to doctor’s offi ces and public and may not provide a balanced analysis of the is- many unanswered questions about this vac- health units, receives most of its vaccine infor- sue”. She also commented that it is “an insult to cine. Perhaps, promoting a healthy lifestyle mation from the vaccine industry itself . This the healthcare profession and gross misstatement would be a better and more cost effective use results in an inherent bias, from the very be- to say our children are being used as guinea pigs”. of the taxpayer’s $300 million. ginning, in all information on vaccine safety, Anyway, I could not let this go without some fur- Colette Harman effectiveness and necessity. ther remarks! Please fi nd my rebuttal below. Now, regarding the new Gardasil vaccine, M. Colette Harman, Doctor of Re: Forced Vaccination in ON—05/07 there is a lot of controversy, even within the Naturopathic Medicine Dear VRAN, medical profession, about this vaccine and Dear Editor, the Canadian Medical Association Journal actually published these concerns. Please Thank you for publishing my letter, in My children attend school in Durham check the following web site of the Canadian full, regarding my concerns re: the HPV Region and I have signed all the necessary Medical Association Journal for the article vaccine. Since then I have received many documents to ensure they do not receive vac- http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/177/5/484 positive comments from your readers who cinations. My son had very severe reactions as Your point of view, which is shared by were thankful to receive more informa- a baby and has been identifi ed with a learning many, suggests the public health unit would tion about this controversial vaccine. I’d Letters continued on page 21 Page 20 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter Letters continued from page 20 Are we Turning a after the device was removed, I couldn’t get disability. Following much research, my deci- Generation of Young pregnant when my partner and I tried to have sion was fi rm to stop vaccinating my children. a second child. In fact, I never again practised My son is oldest and has been vaccinated fully Women into Guinea Pigs? birth control—and never again got pregnant. to the requirements of age 4, my daughter had Edmonton Sun, September 27, Coincidence? Since then, I have witnessed only the three DPT’s and my youngest daugh- 2007, By Kathleen O’Hara other tragedies, like the girlfriend who com- ter has never been vaccinated. mitted suicide while taking the anti-depressant Yesterday my son was called to the health As schoolchildren are being lined up for Halcyon. Also, the affl icted children of preg- nurse and presented a form which I did not vaccines of one sort or another, it appears we nant women who took the synthetic estrogen sign and which clearly stated in bold letter- are subjecting yet another generation of young DES; and a relative’s negative reaction to ing Do Not Vaccinate. The nurse told him women to the uncertainties of modern science Vioxx—a Merck Frosst drug recently taken he didn’t have a choice and vaccinated him and research; creating more guinea pigs. off the market after being linked to heart at- anyway. The federal government made a hasty de- tacks, strokes, and many deaths. What recourse do I have?? What should I do?? cision earlier this year to spend $300 million Even the much-touted polio vaccine of Thanks, Concerned Mother on a campaign to inoculate females 9 to 13 the late 50s and early 60s, containing cells against cervical cancer—a case of political of infected monkeys, had to be removed Reply from VRAN and medicinal overkill if there ever was one. due to cancer-related fears. I am now skepti- Four provinces—ON, NS, NL, and PE— Dear Adrianne, cal about new products being touted as both have jumped on the bandwagon, making the effective and safe. In the case of Gardasil, Thank you for contacting VRAN and for relatively new vaccine Gardasil, by Merck questions have been raised about the results informing us of the forced vaccination of Frosst, available for certain ages through of the vaccine’s clinical trials. I have read of your son. I can only imagine how upsetting public vaccination programs. Others prov- horrible short-term reactions, including sei- this is for you and your family. You do not inces are deliberating on the matter. I don’t zures, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and say how old your son is or which vaccine he think I am the only one who feels this is pre- possibly deaths. And what about the long- was injected with. mature. Why rush until we are 100 per cent term impact? Merck admits that it only tested There is a ruling called the “Mature Minor” certain that no harm will be done? 100 nine-year-olds for a period of 18 months. ruling which gives a child of undefi ned age As the Canadian Medical Association Jour- No one was tested for more than fi ve years. the right to make a medical decision and gives nal has pointed out, cervical cancer is not an As one of the inventors of the vaccine medical people the right to “treat” children epidemic. There are about 1300 cases annually said, “There’s no reason to think that there’s without their parents’ consent. with just under 400 deaths. It is not striking going to be rare, serious adverse events from Unfortunately, there is no clearly defi ned females the way polio struck the general popu- the vaccine that haven’t come up so far in the age at which a child is considered old enough lation in the 1950s when mass inoculation had clinical trials, but you never know until the to make his/her own medical decisions. The some basis in reality. Therefore, the Harper data’s in.” If that doesn’t make you cringe, concept is that if a child understands the government’s aggressive initiative raises here are more questions. How will the vac- value of the treatment and the risks of not doubts and concerns, even suspicion. cine react with other drugs these girls might taking it, then he/she is deemed able to make Was it swayed by those high-powered Big take in their lifetimes? How long will the the decision. Many, many children in their Pharma lobbyists—some with connections protection last? Could the drug compromise early teens and younger have been coerced to Harper himself, as well as Ontario’s Dal- women’s natural immunities? and propagandized to accept vaccines against ton McGuinty? It is not just the statistics that There is also a concern that being inoculat- their parents wishes. It is an insidious way of make me question the government’s costly en- ed could mislead young women. The vaccine undermining family values and parental deci- thusiasm to inject girls with Merck’s vaccine. only protects against two of the many strains sion making for their children. My own negative experiences with the of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which You say you have all the correctly signed various medical trends of the past several de- causes 70 per cent of cervical cancers. Will exemption forms in place for your children. cades make me more than cautious. They date they stop going for Pap screenings and using Does this mean you submitted the Ontario back to the birth of my younger brother dur- condoms, which are much more effective? Form 2, properly notarized by a lawyer, a no- ing the height of the Thalidomide tragedy in In spite of the aggressive TV ads we’ve tary public, or commissioner of oath to the the 1960s—and my mother’s relief because been subjected to which portray cervical can- school? Do you have a copy of this notarized she hadn’t used the drug, which resulted in cer as a universal threat, the sad fact is that affi davit? Have you been able to reconstruct limbless children. most women who die because of the disease the dialogue between the nurse and your son? A few years later, when confronted with are poor, uneducated, or malnourished; with- Also, does your son understand your concern the possibility of taking another miracle solu- out adequate care. about vaccines and why? Most importantly tion—the birth control pill, I balked. It, too, If the Harper government is so concerned have you contacted the nurse vaccinator and was questionable. However, after the birth about cervical cancer, it should run its own your medical offi cer of health? of my daughter, I followed my doctor’s ad- advertising campaign on the prevention and We had a case in BC about 6 years ago vice and had a Dalkon Shield inserted in my detection of the disease. Injecting drugs with where an 11 year old girl was forced to be vac- uterus—the IUD which killed more than 30 unappealing short-term and unknown long- cinated by the public health nurse who singled women and caused irreparable damage to thou- term effects, while fi ling the coffers of Big her out, took her into the offi ce, lied to her sands of others. Although I can’t prove that the Pharma, should be the last resort, not the fi rst. and told her she had just spoken to her mother Shield harmed me, and didn’t take part in the Kathleen O’Hara is an Ottawa-based who had said “yes” to the vaccine. This was 300,000-strong class-action suit, I found that, freelance writer. √ Letters continued on page 23 VRAN Newsletter ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ Page 21 NEWSCLIPS fl uenza or to all fl u-like illnesses? Were they mune response; with rubella vaccine, 46%; actually precipitated by pneumonia which with mumps vaccine, 39%. WHO endorsement doesn’t bear was rarely preceded by infl uenza? After the Gregory A. Poland, director of Transla- scrutiny increased rates of vaccination, were they re- tional Immunovirology and Biodefense at placed by deaths from illness related to the fl u Mayo Clinic College of Medicine heads a In a letter to the editor of Science and De- shot, e.g. Alzheimer’s and Guillain-Barre? team that’s developing a chip to be used for velopment Network, paediatrician, Jacob M. In a new analysis, veteran fl u researcher, Dr quick tests of blood samples to determine Puliyel, MD, vice chair of the Indian Medical Tom Reichert found that, regardless of the pre- gene variants. The hope is that this will fer- Assn Sub Committee on Immunization, takes dominant fl u strain and whether or not fl u shot ret out those vaccination candidates whose aim at a WHO study on Hib vaccine conduct- programs were in place, winter deaths have genes are likely to reduce immune response ed in Bangladesh. been “dropping like a stone” in Canada, the and/or cause severe adverse reactions. Vac- He says the WHO failed to restrain its US, France and Australia for the last 30 yrs. cines could then be adjusted to minimize enthusiasm for a prospective vaccination He said that unless the raw data were ana- these possibilities. program when it concluded that the research lyzed, it appeared that this was not so because It’s known that some genes negate any showed Hib vaccine prevented pneumonia. a rise in fl u deaths in those over 80 masked immune response whatsoever. Many people Although a control group without pneumonia the drop in fl u deaths in the overall popula- have a gene which makes them non-respond- had received more Hib vaccinations than the tion. “People under 75 just don’t die of fl u ers to Hep B vaccine. In this case, says Poland, group with pneumonia, the two groups were any more.” he said. gene therapy might be used to circumvent the not well matched. The correlation between Aside from the increase in the number of effects of the offending gene. vaccination and lack of pneumonia could over-80s, have decades of yearly fl u shots No doubt this will seem exciting, hopeful have been coincidental. Remarks Puliyel: taken their toll on this population? news to those who think vaccines are nec- “With their greater affl uence, more children But, according to Reichert, a less virulent essary but decry present “one-size-fi ts-all” in the control group probably wore branded infl uenza virus and/or less susceptible hosts vaccination policies. But there are many of us T-shirts, but we would not expect Nike or may lead to an infl uenza pandemic. He not- who think our immune systems are perfectly Reebok to suggest that wearing their apparel ed that, in 1947 H1N1, the virus circulating capable of protecting us from disease with- is protective against pneumonia.” since 1918, acquired a mutation which made out vaccines. With healthy lifestyle choices, “It is unfortunate that fi ve resource poor it much less virulent and possibly less conta- clean air and water, suffi cient rest and relax- countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhu- gious. Subsequently, H1N1 was replaced by ation and joy in living, most of us most of tan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka—have been H2N2, a more contagious virus. the time remain free of all types of illness, persuaded to undertake the expensive in- This replacement of microbes with wan- not just those few which can possibly be pre- tervention on the basis of fl awed research.” ing virulence by new ones with which our vented by vaccines. Noting that Bangladesh is eligible for funding immune systems are unfamiliar refl ects the The gene chip test might be worthwhile of the program by GAVI, Puliyel admonishes: balance between microbes and between mi- when considering vaccines for which out- “there is no long-term assurance of continued crobes and humans that’s been sustained comes are strongly determined by the types GAVI funding, or that funding will [not] be since the beginnings of our existence. No of gene inherited. But consider epigenet- withdrawn soon after universal vaccination matter what vaccines or other anti-microbial ics and economics. Epigenetics is the study becomes government policy.” agents are introduced, microbes are likely to of how environment affects the way genes “Where starvation and cholera kill thou- exist in some form or other as long as their work. The chip may account for gene varia- sands of children each year, international hosts do. tions due to all environmental insults up to agencies such as the GAVI Alliance, USAID http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory. the time of testing, but will miss those which and the WHO are busy spending millions on asp?story=LJ2839017E&news_headline=jabs_ occur between testing and circulation of vac- dubious research to emphasize the harm from slash_fl u_deaths_among_the_elderly cine in the blood. Some of the latter could be a disease that local doctors hardly ever come ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ gene variations caused by the insults of vac- across. All this so that vaccine manufacturers cination itself: emotional trauma from being can fi ll their coffers. This situation can only Will ‘Personalizing’ Vaccines injected and toxins, contaminants, allergens, be described as scandalous.” make them Safer? and man-made antigens in the vaccine www.scidev.net/EditorLetters/index.cfm?fuseac Presently, most vaccines are supplied at tion=readeditorletter&itemid=119&language=1 Using research from studies of twins, sci- taxpayers’ expense. Even if gene chip test- ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ entists have been able to correlate vaccination ing were foolproof, the costs of technical outcomes and individual genes. By doing infrastructure and the individual testing of Deaths from Influenza? this, they hope to be able to determine how millions could make it completely unviable At the largest meeting ever to discuss to tailor vaccines to each prospective recipi- for today’s citizens and governments. Should infl uenza, held in Toronto in June 2007, Dr ent, thus increasing effi cacy and minimizing this innovation reach a marketable stage, it Kristin Nichol of the U of Minnesota cited adverse effects. If this can be done, a new era will likely be accessible only privately – to evidence that the fl u jab saves lives. During of personalized vaccinology looms. those who can afford to pay. the 1990’s in Holland when fl u shot uptake So far, it’s known that immune respons- Reference: Just a Little Prick by Hilary and in the elderly increased by 60%, fl u-related es to vaccination vary widely. The extent Peter Butler, 2006; pg 75, footnote 18: Duke deaths fell by 20% in all over-65s and by to which genetic variability contributes to University Medical Center, 2005 ‘“Epige- 50% in those under 70. this depends on which vaccine is used: with netics’ Means What We Eat, How We Live Were the “fl u-related deaths” related to in- measles vaccine, genes determine 89% of im- NewsClips continued on page 23 Page 22 ¤ Fall 2007 ¤ VRAN Newsletter NewsClips continued from page 22 defi cit hyperactivity disorder and “poor need to be told that in choosing to vaccinate and Love, Alters How Our Genes Behave” frustration tolerance.” (Do these symptoms their precious babies with MeNZB they are http://www.dukemednews.org/news/article. sound familiar?) actually increasing the risk of harm, not de- php?id=9322 Dr. Tamison Doey, lead author, head of the creasing it as promised. http://www.scoop. http://www.idinchildren.com/200707/ division of child and adolescent psychiatry co.nz/stories/GE0707/S00138.htm frameset.asp?article=vaccines.asp for the city of Windsor and an adjunct pro- ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ fessor at the University of Western Ontario Note: The meningococcal B vaccine was noted the term “ubiquitous” is used to de- developed for use in New Zealand and is not Say “No” to Tylenol scribe the prevalence of ATA’s. She says “The used in Canada where two types of meningitis A study in the May, 2007 issue of The trouble with a study like this is, it doesn’t tell vaccines are used. One, against meningococ- Annals of Pharmacotherapy searched for pre- us whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing. cal C, and the other against four serotypes, viously published studies which examined We just know it’s happening. “Intuitively we A,C,Y and W-135. Brand name is Menactra. the effects of prophylactic acetaminophen or all say, Geez, these are young kids to be on Meningococcal C vaccine is routinely inject- ibuprofen on vaccine adverse effects. Only medicine. But kids that age are put on drugs ed into infants, and teens. The meningococcal fi ve articles were found, all concerning only for asthma, and they’re given antibiotics and organism is well known for its constant muta- DTwP or DTaP, none about other currently different sorts of medication. I think we all tion into newer and novel forms. used vaccines. get a bit concerned if it’s something that af- A recent decision in May (2007) of the Na- The study concluded that, due to no bene- fects the brain.” tional Advisory Committee on Immunization fi ts having been demonstrated for 4-6 yr olds Doey worries that “when you stop the recommended against general use of Menac- when DTaP was administered or for any age medication, many times the problems come tra which is likely a relief to cash-strapped group when any other current vaccines were back. That means you may be looking at hav- provinces and territories, which have added given, “neither drug can be recommended ing to take these drugs for the long term.” several costly vaccines to their programs in prophylactically to prevent vaccine-associat- Atypical anti-psychotics are considered a recent years and are currently grappling with ed adverse reactions.” signifi cant improvement over older antipsy- whether to add another, against human papil- Mosby Medical Encyclopedia notes that chotics but they can cause substantial weight lomavirus associated with cervical cancer. √ side effects of acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) gain. Johns Hopkins researchers have warned “include severe allergy and anemia. Overdose the drugs might trigger insulin resistance in Letters continued from page 21 can result in fatal liver failure.” But, even in children, increasing the risk of develop- smaller quantities, acetaminophen can work ing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease when a complete fabrication. The parents sued the synergistically with other toxins to increase they’re older. health department, and won the case. You can their injurious effects. Here we have another drug to “cure” ail- read the court transcripts of this case and the Bryan Jepson, MD explains that, to be me- ments likely brought on by vaccines but the judge’s decision who ruled that the nurse had tabolized and rendered harmless to our bodies, “cure” may add to the total burden of another committed a “battery” against the child. Tylenol requires glutathione. That means Ty- disease that’s also caused by vaccines. Toews v. Weisner and South Fraser Health lenol can use up our stores of this group of http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/ Region http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/ enzymes. With depletion of glutathione, says news/story.html?id=71efe824-4b34-446- jdb%2Dtxt/sc/01/00/2001bcsc0015.htm Jepson, “it’s going to take a lot less of any toxin e-8286-23bec3a33159&k=80586 I think it would be helpful for us to have to cause trouble. This makes sense. It explains ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ a phone conversation and discuss a course of why our children are particularly vulnerable to action. My colleague Rita Hoffman and I feel environmental toxicity, even with toxins that Menigococcal B Vaccine a Failure that in light of your son’s learning disabilities, are relatively safe for other people.” and Health Hazard he should never have been put in a position of Whatever their motive, congratulations making a medical decision for himself. We Scoop Independent News Press release, to The Annals… for taking a precautionary have contact information for personal injury Ron Law, Risk & policy Analyst approach! How many children’s injuries and lawyers in your area for you to follow up deaths have been caused in part by the Tylenol New Zealand, July 30, 2007 “The current with if you wish. recommended by those injecting vaccines? cluster of meningococcal disease cases in the We can also give you more information www.thoughtfulhouse.org/0405-onf-bjepson.htm Wellington region has resulted in the MeN- about informed consent right protections in ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ZB vaccine reaching a sad milestone. One Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act, which hundred New Zealand children who were the Durham Health Department does NOT We’ve “shot” them, now let’s “cure” promised ‘protection’ by being fully vac- fully state in their version of it. Nor does it them! cinated with the MeNZB vaccine have now give any information about Canadian Medi- contracted meningococcal disease. cal Law which states that medical treatment Research reported in June in the Canadian Unpublicized research published by the forced on a person or obtained through coer- Journal of Psychiatry raises concern about an Ministry of Health also shows that the MeN- cion is considered a “battery”. The “battery” alarming number of prescriptions for “atypi- ZB vaccine actually increases the risk of ruling is what the B.C judge found the nurse cal antipsychotic drugs” (ATA’s) being handed babies getting the epidemic strain of menin- to be guilty of when she forcibly vaccinated out to parents for children as young as 3 yrs. gococcal disease and does not protect babies the 11 year old girl. ATA’s are powerful drugs prescribed by as promised... why has the MOH failed to Please let us know how we can be of fur- psychiatrists for a variety of disorders and disclose that fact to the public despite know- ther help. symptoms, including anxiety, attention- ing for the best part of 12 months? Parents Edda West, Co-ordinator, VRAN √
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