Swine flu jab available to all

A Cassar

Jan 28th 2010, 17:46

@A. Chircop
You are right, vaccines like these are NOT tested on those under 18 yrs, because of ethical reasons.

HOWEVER....

H1N1 has very high mortality in pregnant women and babies. The flu vaccine (same as H1N1 but different virus) has been used in such groups (though not routinely), with no bad effect. So WHO had a choice, accept people dying....or give a vaccine that seems safe??? If H1N1 did not have high mortality in this sub-group the answer would have been easy.

Once this vaccine has been widely given.....WHO is on the look out for worrying side effects. 110 million later, things are going well!

@Ramon Casha
You are quoting newspapers (not scientific papers) of October 2009, the discussion was going on to give or not to give. Consensus between the experts agreed on GIVE. But of course you did not link to that did you???

So you think that a vaccine for a pandemic should be tested for decades like any other vaccine? Hmmmmm...millions dead then launch the vaccine?? Very clever guy. You should work for WHO!!

A. Chircop

Jan 28th 2010, 16:46

The actual leaflet that accompanies the vaccine produced by GlaxoSmithKline states clearly that the product is NOT tested for people under 18 years of age, nor pregnant or nursing women.

And the authorities are urging everyone to get even 6 month old babies inoculated?

Hmmmm ...

Christian Sciberras

Jan 28th 2010, 15:13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemrix#Clinical_trials
Other then that, it was tried on 6000 people as per FDA/vaccine standards.
So you're advising the Maltese that some irish newpaper heard that the GMA advised against the vaccine?

Ramon, seriosuly, you ought to pick better sources.

If you don't want to take it, who cares. Don't shout absurdities around, there's enough thank you.

P Farrugia

Jan 28th 2010, 12:31

So many people are quoting so many different organisations with varying opinions/statements but I would follow the recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in this respect.

Ramon Casha

Jan 28th 2010, 11:05

According to the European Medicines Agency,

"The company that makes Pandemrix will collect information on the safety of the vaccine while it is being used. This will include information on its side effects and its safety in children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients with severe conditions and people who have problems with their immune systems."

source: http://www.ema.europa.eu/influenza/vaccines/pandemrix/pandemrix.html

In short, anyone who has taken this vaccine is a human guinea pig.

According to Irish Times, The German Medical Association recommends AGAINST giving this vaccine to children and pregnant women in particular.
source: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1021/1224257146987.html

PhysOrg points out that Switzerland prohibited it from pregnant women, very young and very old people - the primary target groups in Malta.
source: http://www.physorg.com/news176099207.html

Thanks but I think I'll pass.