H1N1 Vaccination in Canada: In Search of Useful Unbiased Facts

Here is my meagre attempt at a more balanced view on the issue of H1N1 Vaccination - specifically here in Canada. Our family is now sifting through all the facts - from BOTH sides, instead of submitting to the fear-mongering we are getting from BOTH schools of thought.

I suggest to all that we weigh the vaccination pros and cons to make an educated, and not fear-induced decision. In the end, I am looking for an educated answer on the REAL threats. For example, can anyone give me these two percentages?

1) If someone is "high risk" what is the (estimated) probability that they will get severely ill or worse from the H1N1 virus, if they're unvaccinated (here in Canada)?
2) For that same "high risk" person what is the (estimated) probability that they can get severely ill or worse after getting the (Canadian) vaccine?

Those should be simple questions, with one simple percentage each that will yield a recommendation on whether to get vaccinated or not; but why can't I get simple the answers?

According to TWO of our past/present children's Doctors, the City of Ottawa, Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AND the World Health Organization we should get vaccinated. So then why the opposition? I know, the 1976 outbreak and failure of the vaccine, as well as the reduced testing with this one. Or is it the conspiracy theories? Can so much really be attributed to conspiracy theories of Pharmaceutical companies getting too rich and lining the governments' pockets? No doubt that is present to a degree, but what are the FACTS?!?.. I've also found the Doctors / groups advocating "natural" alternatives have a vested interest themselves - if you buy into their services, you can find out more.

I'm tired of just individual horror stories and looking for actual trials, tests, statistics and facts. Duly noted that the new vaccine hasn't been extensively tested - so, we've been advised, wait a bit. What's "a bit"? How long? But then what? I am searching for facts from unbiased sources (good luck says an inner voice).

I have been informed from our Doctor that our vaccine is being manufactured differently than it is in the US, as such, there will be less risk of a re-occurrence of the GBS fiasco in 1976. (Proof? Stats? Sources?)

Furthermore, one interesting point that is too often glossed over by the pro-natural / anti-vaccination camp, assuming that vaccination will work, getting yourself immunized will protect the "herd" (known as "herd immunity"). The thought is that if at least 70% of the population gets immunized, the virus would be effectively stopped in its tracks. So, if you decide NOT to get immunized, get sick anyway, you are putting others around you at risk as well. So although it is an individual choice, not getting immunized (according to the "experts") puts not only yourself, but others at risk.

Please have a read of the links below and feel free to share any links / information that you have from either side. In the mean time, stay healthy: wash your hands frequently, eat well, sleep well, keep fit. Cherish the ones you love. Give them a hug. But make sure you wash your hands first.. and after you hug them too, just to be "safe". *sighhh*

-Bald E

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PRO-H1N1 VACCINE

Maclean's Article "Swine Flu Fiasco"
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/10/19/swine-flu-fiasco/#more-87249

Globe and Mail Article - H1N1 Myth Busters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/h1n1-myth-busters/article1340101/

An Epidemic of Fear: How Panicked Parents Skipping Shots Endangers Us All
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/

Science-Based Medicine
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2353

Dr. Oz (hey if Dr. Oz says so, it's GOT to be true, right? well maybe not, but some additional info)
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/swine-flu-prevention

H1N1 Flu Shot: 3 Major Fears Debunked
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience_h1n1myths

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

World Health Organization (including information on threat of GBS)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/vaccine_preparedness/safety_approval/en/index.html


Safety / Facts on Squalene Adjuvant / MF-59
http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/topics/adjuvants/squalene/questions_and_answers/en/


ANTI-H1N1 VACCINE

National Vaccine Information Centre (US non-profit org)
http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-and-diseases/h1n1-swine-flu.aspx

Dr. Frank Lipman - The Truth About The Flu Shot
http://drfranklipman.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

Dr.Russell Blaylock: Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/dr-russell-blaylock-vaccine-may-be-more-dangerous-than-swine-flu/

Dr. Joseph Mercola's Special Swine Flu Update
http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/21/Special-Swine-Flu-Update.aspx

Dr. Carol Robin's Websites
http://www.carolrobin.com/
http://www.guidedcds.com/index.html
(Dr. Robin is a strong advocate of Natural Healing. Although her website doesn't offer much, her newsletter does have a lot of condensed information. Or you can give her money and buy her Guided CDs / MP3s.)

Health Sciences Institute
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/08/24/h1n1-prevention/
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/10/12/jefferson/

GlobalResearch
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14312