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UPDATE ON SWINE FLU (H1N1 Strain) – Dr John Oakley
23/11/2009 20:15:00
These vaccines were initially prioritised for Healthcare Professionals, even though recent surveys of Healthcare Professionals show that over half will refuse administration of Swine Flu vaccines. Priority is now being given to pregnant women, those aged 6 months to 5 yrs, and those over 5 years who are 'at risk' (see NHS leaflets). It must be remembered that vaccinations in this Country are voluntary and not compulsory. Despite early scaremongering from HM Government, DoH, and the Media, Swine Flu appears to be serious only in those people with serious underlying health conditions.Compared with the ordinary ‘seasonal’ flu infections, Swine Flu appears to be a more mild infection. To put in into perspective, up to 35,000 deaths each year are attributed to the seasonal Flu we experience each winter in this country, the deaths mainly being in older people.There are two different Swine Flu vaccines available in the UK. 1 -- Pandemrix (manufactured by GSK), which contains Thiomersal (mercury containing) as a preservative. There has been a World-Wide moratorium on the use of Thiomersal since 2004; I find it bizarre that mercury is included as part of a new vaccine. In addition, Pandemrix should NOT be used in people known to be allergic to eggs. I would not personally use or receive Pandemrix. In particular I would not use Pandemrix in pregnant women or young children. It requires only one dose. 2 -- Celvapan (manufactured by Baxter), does not contain Thiomersal nor is it contraindicated in people with egg allergies. It requires 2 doses – 4 weeks apart. The vaccine being used routinely via the NHS is Pandemrix (probably because it is cheaper.). Patients need to ask which vaccine is being offered by their GP, and in my opinion should decline Pandemrix (especially for children and pregnant women) and ask for Celvapan – which the GP will need to order specifically, and which may cause 'annoyance'. I have already had my annual vaccine against ‘ordinary’ flu, but I have no intention of having a Swine Flu vaccine – in line with the surveys of Medical Healthcare Professionals. Please note this is MY personal opinion, and should not be construed as advice. I always treat each patient as if the patient was me, or the equivalent member of my family, and if there was a serious underlying condition, I would certainly consider administering the Celvapan ‘Swine Flu’ vaccine. My personal opinion is that the vaccines are not sufficiently tested for widespread use, there is a total lack of data about possible long-term side effects and long-term efficacy, and I am far from convinced that Swine Flu is a serious illness. Please discuss this issue further with your GP or your local Consultant Community Paediatrician if you need further advice.
THIS INFORMATION IS THAT PERCEIVED TO BE CORRECT BY DR JOHN OAKLEY, BUT IS NOT A DEFINITIVE VERSION
For more infomation, please view the document on the Vaccine Documents / Links page.
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