Exeter kids needed for swine flu study
THE first group of children has begun taking part in swine flu vaccine tests in the city — but health bosses still need more volunteers to come forward.
Children in the city are among the first to test the vaccine in a special trial.
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Dr Andrew Collinson
An appeal was made for volunteers, with around 80 children aged between six months and 12 years needed to test the vaccine's effectiveness.
The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital is one of five sites in England hosting the study, which compares vaccines from two manufacturers to see which works best and has the fewest side-effects.
A hospital spokesman said: "The study has now begun at the RD&E and will be ongoing. We have had a very positive reaction from the community and we are still actively recruiting for new participants."
The study, which is being carried out in association with the Bristol Children's Vaccine Group, would see participants make three visits to the hospital at regular intervals during a six-week period.
On two of these visits the children would receive doses of the vaccine and two blood samples would be taken to see how well their immune system responds.
Dr Andrew Collinson, consultant paediatrician at the RD&E, said: "Two new vaccines have been made against swine flu in response to the pandemic. These have already been tested in adults, but there is less information on how well they work in children.
"Taking part in this study is voluntary and if parents do not want their child to participate they would still be eligible to receive a swine flu vaccine if it were to become available as part of a government immunisation programme.
"There would be 24-hour telephone access to a paediatrician if there were any concerns following immunisation."
He said that both vaccines being tested were expected to be licensed in the coming weeks and one had already been recommended for use.
Exeter mum Justine Hyde, 38, who lives in the city centre, said she considered putting her two-year-old son up for the test when she received details about the study through the post.
But she said she decided against taking part after carrying out her own research.
She said: "I did a lot of internet research and started to develop concerns.
"One of them has not yet been approved or received a licence from the European Medicine Agency, and that scared me. I instantly thought that I would stay away after reading that.
"The other vaccine contains something called Adjuvant, which has mercury content, and it concerns me that could cause problems.
"They are also saying children will be given two doses. We don't know how the children will react. They are being given two doses and it all seems to be very fast-tracked."
4 Comments
by Colin, Exeter
Friday, October 09 2009, 2:59PM
“How many people have to be vaccinated with the new "swine" flu vaccine to save ONE life from a swine flu fatality? Even if the vaccine were 100% effective, they could be credited with saving 1 life out of 2000. Because that's the normal death rate for normal flu..which is all this has ever been. Given the very serious/deadly side effects of this vaccine, thats like "Carpet Bombing" a haystack to find a needle.
Ive just come back from 2 weeks in mexico and the feeling there is total disbelief at the situation they have found themselves in.
The Centre For Diease Control even admit on their website that this was originally mis-diagnosed and given the wrong name, it is NOT "Swine flu" but normal flu. Glad to see by your report that some people are waking up on this subject.”
by Jason, New Forest
Friday, October 09 2009, 11:35AM
“Oh dear what are they doing?
The vaccination is an immunocontraceptive. How is it possible to test for that. Since they are only children.
It clearly states on one vaccination insert that :
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with FluMist. It is not known whether FluMist can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women or can affect reproduction capacity. FluMist should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Also:
The vaccination contains Polysorbate 80 also know as Tween 80 which causes Infertility and an oil water adjuvant called Squalene with the same consequences.
I think it is very irresponsible and sad that parents are allowing their children to be used as guinea pigs.
Maybe The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital should question why this so called 'new' novel strain of H1N1 was patented last year by these vaccine companies.”
by BN, Cullompton
Thursday, October 08 2009, 3:29PM
“"Both seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines will require two inoculations"
Either this is complete nonsense or the NHS has completely c%£&ed it up as I don't know anyone who has needed to get a second seasonal vaccine shot.
You will also find plenty of research that contradicts the last paragraph.
I know which way I'd jump and I have no intention of getting a second jab until the swine 'flu one is available.”
by Richard Browne, Exeter
Thursday, October 08 2009, 2:43PM
“This year it is more important that you protect your children and loved ones from the flu vaccines than influenza itself. This article on Lew Rockwell discusses how:
The swine flu is simply another flu. It is not unusually deadly.
This is the first time both seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines will be administered. Both seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines will require two inoculations. This is because single inoculations have failed to produce sufficient antibodies. This is an admission that prior flu vaccines were virtually useless. Can you trust them this time?
Adjuvants are added to vaccines to boost production of antibodies but may trigger autoimmune reactions. Some adjuvants are mercury (thimerosal), aluminum and squalene. Why would you sign a consent form for your children to be injected with mercury, which is even more brain-toxic than lead?
This is the first year mock vaccines have been used to gain FDA approval. The vaccines that have been tested are not the same vaccines your children will be given.
Over-vaccination is a common practice now in America. American children are subjected to 29 vaccines by the age of two. Meanwhile, veterinarians have backed off of repeat vaccination in dogs because of observed side effects.
Modern medicine has no explanation for autism, despite its continued rise in prevalence. Yet autism is not reported among Amish children who go unvaccinated.
Researchers are warning that over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can apply genetic pressure on flu viruses and then they are more likely to mutate into a more deadly strain.
Most seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus strains tested from the United States and other countries are now resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Tamiflu has become a nearly worthless drug against seasonal flu.
Public health officials are irresponsible in their omission of any ways to strengthen immunity against the flu. No options outside of problematic vaccines and anti-flu drugs are offered, despite the fact there is strong evidence that vitamins C and D activate the immune system and the trace mineral selenium prevents the worst form of the disease.”