New Swine Flu Vaccine May have Deadly Side Effect – Massachusetts Deputizes Dentists to Administer Vaccine.

The new, untested, vaccine for the H1N1 may have one serious side effect – GBS – or Guillian-Barre Syndrome (paralysis and death). A letter to sent to UK neurologists warned them about the new vaccine and its similarities to a 1976 vaccine, similar in nature, which caused 25 deaths in the US. In 1976

More people died from the vaccination than the flue
500 cases of GBS were detected
The vaccine may have increased the risk of contracting GBS by 8 times
The vaccine was withdrawn after just 10 weeks when the link with GBS became clear
The U.S. Government was forced to pay out millions of dollars to those affected.

In the U.S. the Boston Globe has reported that schools in several states will be used as vaccination centers, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has taken the unprecedented step of deputizing dentists and other providers to administer the vaccine. One must understand that Massachusetts also passed S18, a bill which gives the Governor the power to authorize the deployment and use of any forces to in order to distribute supplies, and materials - local authorities will be allowed to enter private residences for investigation and to quarantine individuals.The bill entitled: “AN ACT RELATIVE TO PANDEMIC AND DISASTER PREPARATION AND RESPONSE IN THE COMMONWEALTH” can be read here. The bill was pushed through the Massachusetts Senate back in April, in anticipation of an outbreak.

It is interesting that those who are under 65 years of age are, at this stage, encouraged, not yet forced (see Massachusetts Senate Act) to receive the vaccine, which is a two stage vaccine, to be taken in addition to the regular flu vaccine - The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

That said, the CDC is already taking steps to cover its proverbial behind by producing a list of those who should not receive the vaccine:

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.

Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and

People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

With the impact of this particular strain in the United States still unknown, other methods of preventing the spread and or contraction of any flu should be considered especially if one is planning to opt out of the annual flu vaccine (unless of course, you live in Massachusetts and your deputized dentist is mandated to give you the vaccine by the Governor) Simply, follow general common-sense rules when it comes to the annual flu season – (From the CDC) Wash hands with soap and water, frequency, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, properly dispose of tissues, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose – stay home from work or school if you do have a flu (or cold or other illness) – at least for 24 hours, limit contact with others (see stay at home!). Additionally, stock up and start taking Airborne! - , not only does it build up the immune system; it was developed by a teacher and is readily available.