Four Swine Flu Vaccines Approved by FDA Friday, September 18, 2009 The FDA just approved four versions of the pandemic H1N1 (or “swine” flu) vaccine. Expected to become available as early as the first week of October, here is the run down on each of these four vaccines: Sanofi Pasteur’s injected vaccine: Approved for ALL age groups (infants 6 months of age through adulthood and the elderly). It comes in several forms: Prefilled single ½ dose syringe with NO mercury – for infants 6 thru 35 months of age. Prefilled single full dose syringe with NO mercury – for anyone 3 years and older. Single-dose (full-dose) vial with NO mercury – for anyone 3 years and older. Multidose bottle (contains ten full doses or twenty ½ doses) WITH 25 mcg of mercury per full dose – for anyone 6 months and older (infants 6 to 35 months would get a half dose (0.25 ml), 3 years and older would get the full 0.5 ml dose). Other ingredients include: the viral proteins, egg proteins, gelatin, formaldehyde, polyethylene glycol p-isooctyphenyl ether, sucrose. CSL’s injected vaccine: Approved for anyone 18 years and older. It comes in two forms: Prefilled single-dose syringe with NO mercury. Multidose bottle with ten doses WITH 24.5 mcg of mercury per dose. Other ingredients include: the viral proteins, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, calcium, taurodeoxycholate, egg protein, 2 antibiotics, and beta-propiolactone. Novartis’s injected vaccine: Approved for anyone 4 years and older. It comes in two forms: Prefilled single-dose syringes with a trace amount of mercury (less than 1 mcg because 99% of it is filtered out). Multidose bottle with ten doses WITH 25 mcg of mercury per dose. Other ingredients include: the viral proteins, sodium chloride, phosphate, egg proteins, two antibiotics, betapropiolactone, nonylphenol ethoxylate. MedImmune’s live virus nasal spray vaccine: Approved for anyone 2 years through 49 years of age. There is no mercury. Other ingredients include: the live viruses, egg protein, MSG, pig gelatin, arginine, sucrose, potassium phosphate, an antibiotic, How are these vaccines manufactured? Here is the interesting part. Everyone has been worrying and theorizing about how these BRAND NEW vaccines are going to be made and what new and dangerous ingredients they might contain. Well, what has ended up happening is that these four companies have made their “swine” flu vaccines using the exact same process and ingredients that they’ve used for their regular flu vaccines. All they’ve changed is the strain of the flu germs that go into the vaccine. Not to say that these vaccines are completely chemical free and 100% safe. But we aren’t dealing with brand new flu vaccines here. We are dealing with the same thing we face with flu shots every year: same chemical ingredients, new flu vaccine strains. You can find out more details on how regular flu shots are made in the flu chapter of the vaccine book, and apply that same process to the “swine” flu vaccines. Sanofi Pasteur’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Fluzone, a brand that has been in use for several years. CSL’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Afluria, a newer player in the flu vaccine market that was first made last year for the 2008/2009 flu season. Novartis’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Fluvirin, which has been around for a few years (previously made by Chiron). MedImmune’s live nasal spray pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular nasal spray Flumist. Which one do I recommend? At this time I have absolutely no preference whatsoever. How many doses are needed? All infants and children from 6 months through 9 years of age are supposed to get two doses of this vaccine, one month apart (no matter what brand you are using, and you probably shouldn’t switch brands between the two doses). This is needed to generate an adequate immune response. Anyone who is 10 years and older only needs ONE dose. Can doses be given along with other vaccines? The product inserts make it very clear that no testing has yet been done on these versions of the flu vaccine to determine if they can be given along with other vaccines. The government is operating under the assumption that these vaccines should behave the same way as their regular seasonal flu vaccine counterparts. So, the unofficial word is that you can give them with any vaccines, or apart from any other vaccines in any time intervals you want. Technically you can get them together (both flu shots together) or with any other vaccine. But my advice? Get them alone, as far apart as you can from another flu shot or any other shots. More on this below. What safety and efficacy testing has been done on these vaccines? Here is where we are flying by the seat of our pants, so to speak. The product inserts make it VERY clear that the “swine” flu versions of these vaccines have NOT undergone any testing to demonstrate whether or not they are safe and whether or not they even work. They are relying on the fact that they are so similar to the regular flu shots that they should work just as well. Although I don’t like that approach, I must admit that they may be right. I don’t see any reason to doubt that our immune systems won’t respond to this vaccine the same way they respond to regular flu shots. And I don’t expect that the side effects would be any different either. In The Vaccine Book, I give a lot of detail about flu vaccine ingredients and side effects that you should be aware of before getting this shot. I’ve heard that the last swine flu vaccine caused a really bad reaction called GBS? What about THIS swine flu vaccine? Every product insert for this new vaccine discusses this issue from 1976 in which the old swine flu vaccine caused a higher rate of GBS (weakness and paralysis reaction) than expected, so they stopped using it. That was a completely different strain of the swine flu than what we have today. Plus, that vaccine was made much differently than how they are made today. So, I see no correlation between the risk of GBS from that old vaccine and the current one. Having said that, everyone needs to be aware that ANY flu vaccine poses a very small risk of a GBS reaction. Although I don’t think this new vaccine has an increased risk, what I DO worry about is that infants will be getting FOUR (count them, FOUR) flu vaccines this year – two doses of the regular one, and two doses of the swine flu vaccine. That’s unprecedented. We’ve never given anyone four doses of a flu vaccine in one year. There is no way to predict what the side effects might be. What about pregnant and/or nursing mothers? This is a little scary. The flu shots are ALREADY recommended for pregnant and nursing moms, BUT (and this is a really huge but) the vaccine product inserts make it very clear that the regular flu vaccines have never been tested on pregnant or nursing women to determine if there is any harm to fetuses or young babies (with one exception – the ­­­­Flumist nasal spray brand did have some testing in this area, BUT not enough, as is stated in the product insert). Despite this complete lack of research, it is recommended for these moms anyway. Anyone see a problem with that? If you do get a flu shot, at least make sure it is mercury free (or at least only TRACE mercury). What should I get first, regular or swine flu shots, and how do I space them out? My basic advice for anyone is to only get one flu shot at a time, spaced out one month apart. So, it would take 3 months to work in all four doses (2 regular flu and 2 swine flu). I have no preference on how you go about doing this. Do get 2 regular, THEN two swine? Or the other way around? Or do you alternate between the two? Take your pick. The seasonal flu causes about 20 infant and 100 total pediatric deaths each year in the U.S. The swine flu has so far caused 112 pediatric deaths. So, that’s about the same as the regular flu. From April through the end of July, there were about 43,000 confirmed swine flu cases, with 5000 hospitalizations and about 300 deaths in all ages according to the CDC website. More deaths have occurred since then. This is no different from the regular flu. They’ve stopped officially counting the number of cases because it’s now too widespread to keep track of. But the bottom line is that the swine flu is about the same level of seriousness as the regular flu. So, take your pick which to do first. You may want to start with the regular flu shot since it’s available right now. What about other routine childhood vaccines that are also needed during this time? I would advise parents to delay any vaccines for diseases that don’t pose an immediate danger to a baby’s or child’s life and catch up on those vaccines in Feb or March, a couple months after finishing the flu vaccines. Diseases that aren’t usually life-threatening (keeping in mind that ANY disease can be fatal, but the following are less likely to be) include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and Hep A. Diseases that don’t exist in the U.S. or that don’t occur during infancy in the U.S. (so even though they can be very severe, a child has almost no risk of catching it in the U.S.) that could be safely delayed are polio, Hep B, tetanus, and diphtheria (although to get a pertussis vaccine, tetanus and diphtheria have to come along with it). Diseases that DO pose an immediate danger to babies and children are HIB and PC meningitis, Rotavitus, and Pertussis. So, I would rather children stay on time with those four vaccines and delay the flu shots (if you feel comfortable delaying flu shots). If you want to make sure your child has flu coverage and stays up to date on these other shots, you can stagger them by two weeks. For teens, I would follow the same guidelines – don’t get flu shot around any of the other routine teen shots like HPV, meningococcal, or Tdap. The only disease here that would be more severe than flu would be meningococcal, so that’s more of a priority. Should people even get any flu shots? I don’t have a recommendation one way or another. There hasn’t been a lot of research on safety and efficacy of flu shots (just read through the product inserts – the sizes of the research studies are very small compared to all other childhood vaccines), and the product inserts are very clear about where the research is lacking (almost seems like a disclaimer in there). BUT, the flu can and does kill people every year. I do believe the flu shot helps protect against the flu and lowers this risk. I go over many of the pros and cons in The Vaccine Book. Everyone has to make their own choice on this. I’m not going to make a suggestion one way or the other. You can review all the product inserts yourself from the homepage of www.FDA.gov Labels: Vaccine News posted by Dr. Bob Sears @ 10:38 AM   190 Comments: At September 18, 2009 11:11 AM ,  Anonymous said... Where can I find the product inserts on the FDA's web site? What are the names of the approved H1N1 vaccines? Or do I search for the product insert some other way?   At September 18, 2009 11:15 AM ,  Anonymous said... I found them: this page links to the individual pages for each of the four vaccines: Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccines Each of those four pages has the respective vaccine's product insert.   At September 18, 2009 5:11 PM ,  Anonymous said... So do any of these have the adjuvant Squalene in them or no?   At September 18, 2009 8:15 PM ,  Nancyd said... I'd like the answer regarding Squalene as well...and the amount of the virus compared to regular vaccines. It was clearly stated by several reports that there was to be less virus and more adjuvants to allow for greater production of this vaccine.   At September 18, 2009 9:39 PM ,  Anonymous said... Last I saw at immunize.org (the CDC's website about immunizations), squalene was not a part of the vaccinations. It is available to be added to future doses should the strain mutate and get stronger, rendering current doses ineffective, but not already included in current doses.   At September 19, 2009 5:39 AM ,  Anonymous said... thanks for the wishy washy gobbledy gook. No wonder most parents interpret your opinions as "oh vaccines arent really needed poo poo" A simple table with the vaccines listed with their ingredients wouldbe much more helpful. The way you have formatted this article makes it a hunting expedition for parents to try and gather the pertinent information. Another opportunity to clearly communicate missed.   At September 19, 2009 10:35 AM ,  Anonymous said... To anonymous poster on Sept. 19th 5:39am: If you don't like Dr. Sears advice then go somewhere else. Apparently you didn't read this because you would see that he does believe in vaccines but in a way that makes it safer for us and our children to receive them. Any smart person understands that critical thinking requires things not to be black and white. Dr. Sears graciously provides us with information for us to make informed choices versus telling us exactly what to do. He does this because each person has different genetic predispositions and it is up to us to consider the risks/benefits and make and educated choice that is best for us and our families! If you are looking for black and white or someone to tell you what to do, then look to the CDC, FDA, and more than likely, your doctor! Otherwise, take Dr. Sears advice as one piece of information, consider your family’s genetic predisposition, and do the additional research to make your own informed choice. If you aren’t willing to do some research, than I suppose it is not that important to you to make an informed choice. And as far as the format... I along with many other people would agree this format is not only acceptable, but superior. Educated parents look to Dr. Sears for his opinion, not some chart. I would be happy to take this information and put it into a chart so you could better understand it. Just post another comment with your email address and I will do so.   At September 19, 2009 1:22 PM ,  Dr. Bob said... Squalene is not in the vaccines. There is NO adjuvant that I know of. That's why I didn't jump into the "squalene is evil" arguments over the past couple months. I was waiting to see what would be in the vaccines first.   At September 19, 2009 4:11 PM ,  Anonymous said... There is one other manufacturer pending approval, that is focusing on the adjuvanated form. So, the ones listed here are without.   At September 20, 2009 11:40 AM ,  Science Mom said... The GSK vaccine (the one pending approval) will not have an adjuvant. In fact, the U.S. is already anticipating a surplus due to the immune response with a single dose. Some of the pandemic influenza vaccines are being tested with squalene adjuvants for possible future use if the need arises.   At September 21, 2009 5:50 AM ,  Jamie said... As a mommy of four children ranging in age from 12 years to 3 1/2 months I was wondering if it was likely that my youngest would "catch" the H1N1 vaccine from us if we were to get any of the vaccines for it.   At September 21, 2009 6:01 AM ,  Jamie said... Also wanted to say I am nursing my youngest and nurse my 2 year old occasionally still too. My two oldest are in public school but the youngest two are home with me.   At September 21, 2009 12:41 PM ,  Ariana said... Hi Dr. Sears, Thank you for the information. I would like to know, will you be getting a flu shot or a swine flu shot? Thank you.   At September 21, 2009 12:55 PM ,  Anonymous said... Why are you nursing your two year old. That is almost sick. Does your child hop on your lap and lift your shirt and undo your bra also....   At September 21, 2009 2:40 PM ,  Anonymous said... what is wrong with you? There is absoulutely nothing wrong with nursing your two year old. Obviously, you do not know or understand the benefits of nursing a child. And yes...I too am still occasionally nursing my 3 yr old little girl.   At September 21, 2009 6:13 PM ,  Science Mom said... As a mommy of four children ranging in age from 12 years to 3 1/2 months I was wondering if it was likely that my youngest would "catch" the H1N1 vaccine from us if we were to get any of the vaccines for it. Jamie, if you get any of the inactivated vaccines, then there is no chance of H1N1 vaccine-strain transmission. Even if you get the live vaccine, FluMist, there is only a slight chance (~2.4%) of transmission of H1N1 vaccine strain and it is attenuated. You should look at the full package insert to make sure that there are no contraindications however.   At September 21, 2009 7:17 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, how many doses are actually required? For anyone 10+, they say just one. For anyone under 10, they're saying two shots "because that's what they have to do for youngsters' first seasonal flu vaccine". But that's not exactly right. AAP says only those "who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time" need two shots. So if my child has already had seasonal flu shots in previous years, wouldn't just a single H1N1 shot be sufficient? Similarly, if this is the first time my child is being given flu vaccines, wouldn't you just do the two seasonal doses followed by a single H1N1 dose? It's hard to get accurate information on the efficacy studies currently under way.   At September 21, 2009 10:55 PM ,  Dr. Bob said... Jamie - that's awesome you are tandom nursing. My wife, Cheryl, nursed our first until 2 years, and our next two kids until they were three. Sorry that that one person's comment was so ignorant about world norms of breastfeeding. Probably that person wasn't breastfed and wishes they were? No, the virus won't transfer to your baby from the injected form of the vaccine. As for the nasal spray, a very small chance. Ariana - no, I don't get flu shots, nor will I get the swine flu shot. I'm scared of needles. Anon- they are considering this a "first time" shot, even for people who have already had the regular flu shots - that's why the 2 doses for those 9 and younger.   At September 22, 2009 12:25 AM ,  Catherina said... Wow - Anon ignoramus - anyone who finds nursing a toddler "abnormal" has a much larger problem. Educate yourself. Jamie, I nursed mine for longer than 2 years, too and I strongly feel that this is why DS (at 2.5) had a much easier time with the flu than his older sister.   At September 22, 2009 4:04 AM ,  Lauren said... Dr. Bob, Thanks for this helpful post. If I weren't pregnant, I would not even have a second thought as to getting the H1N1 vaccine, let alone a regular flu shot. However, I am 35 weeks pregnant and also have a 2.5 year old. I have been hearing (I don't know if it's panic or scare tactics) that pregnant women are having a REALLY rough time with complications if they catch the H1N1 flu virus and so getting a shot is in our best interest. I can find very little information about how pregnant women are handling getting the H1N1 via regular circumstances. I have no idea how to respond to my doctor if she presents the vaccination to me as pretty much no other option. My other concern is contracting the virus from my daughter or husband in case they get sick and I am wondering if I should have her/them vaccinated. Have you heard ANYTHING about pregnant women and how they are handling getting sick from H1N1? Do you have any recommendations for me personally on either preventative measures or what to do if I or a family member contracts the virus (I have your book to reference to if you want to direct me to a page)? Also, if I were to contract the virus while having a newborn/infant, how dangerous is the flu to them? Thanks for ANY information you can share. Lauren   At September 22, 2009 10:51 AM ,  April said... Dear Dr. Sears, thank you for always providing such helpful information. I have a question: if I get the flu shot while nursing my 9 month old, would some immunity be passed on to him (thus not requiring that he gets a shot)? Thanks!   At September 22, 2009 11:57 AM ,  Erin said... I have the EXACT same questions as Lauren above, except I am only 26 weeks pregnant and I have a 4 yr old and an 18 mo old. We are trying very hard to limit much exposer by staying home more, washing hands frequently, and eating healthy (well doing my best with a picky 4 year old), but I am still SO conflicted about what to do and there just isn't much information out there for pregnant woman. Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated!   At September 22, 2009 7:40 PM ,  Jim said... For goodness sake, do not get the shot. This Swine Flu was engineered from day one and were being fear-mongered into another shot. All these shots! I don't trust these eugenicist, money grubbing "scientists" one bit. I for one will not be taking their soft kill weapon this season.   At September 22, 2009 7:41 PM ,  Anonymous said... Lauren & Erin - I think Dr. Sears posted earlier that there has been little to no research done on the effects of the vaccine on pregnant women; however, they are recommending it for preggo women (the logic here eludes me). Lauren - you only have 4 weeks to go and its sept -- i would say just wait it out! Erin - Your situation is a bit more difficult. I am TTC and will be in the same position and am not sure what I will do. I am hoping more testing occurs on preggo women but I am not about to sign up as a guinea pig. I love this site by the way. I need a dr. that will help discuss these things with me.   At September 22, 2009 7:49 PM ,  Anonymous said... One update -- I found this on the FDA Product Insert. " 1. Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this vaccine is administered to a nursing woman." Not reassuring.   At September 23, 2009 5:07 AM ,  Catherina said... April, no, specific immunity is not passed through breastmilk at that age, but he would still profit from your staying healthy and the breastfeeding itself. On the other hands, pregnant women who get vaccinated will pass on some immunity via the placenta in the last few weeks before birth.   At September 23, 2009 7:05 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, Thanks for sharing the fact that you are not getting the swine flu vaccine, but the big question for us moms is... Will you be getting either of the flu shots for YOUR kids? This would really help me to know... Thanks in advance!!   At September 23, 2009 12:11 PM ,  Lauren said... Anonymous- I am leaning toward what you say to wait it out. However, a few questions still remain: 1. ) Do immediate family members (husband, 2.5 year old) get the shot to protect me and baby in utero and out and... (I live in Atlanta and two women in a hospital close by have delivered their babies but the doctor says the moms are probably not going to make it because of complications from the H1N1... THAT'S what makes me nervous about this whole thing despite our frequent hand washing, staying away from big public places, and eating as well as possible which include probiotics and vitamins.) 2.) What do I do if I contract H1N1 it in these final weeks or someone else close to me does? Do we take medication to help with symptoms or get a shot in hope that our bodies can start fighting the virus? If the baby is born, I would rather be the first one to catch the flu before anyone else so that I can pass along antibodies, but I don't always get that option! Dr Bob, again, ANY recommendations you have on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Lauren   At September 23, 2009 1:31 PM ,  Dr. Bob said... April - no - immunity does not pass that we know of. However, you getting the shot would help prevent YOU from catching it, thus helping to protect the baby. Lauren and Erin - I can't say what you should do here. As far as I know, the H1N1 is no more serious in pregnant women than the regular flu. BOTH can cause death in pregnant women. I don't know actual numbers here though. I don't know how many pregnant women die from the flus each year, and what PERCENTAGE this is of all cases. Lauren - yes, everyone around you getting the shots does help. As for what to do if you get sick, nothing different than the regular flu, but you should review the CDC website info for pregnant women to verify that, since I don't actually provide medical care for pregnant women.   At September 23, 2009 1:56 PM ,  Anonymous said... This doctor should go to jail. Anyone who recommends vaccines is either on the take, or is painfully ignorant about what happens when you bypass the natural defenses of the integumentary and orifices of the body. Read about the history of vaccines...they don't work. It's all a lie, and been a lie since the early 1600s.   At September 23, 2009 2:29 PM ,  CanadianMom said... Just wondering if you have more detailed info on the GSK vaccine? That's the one that's offered in Canada as far as I know.   At September 23, 2009 6:21 PM ,  Lauren said... Dr. Bob, Thanks for the response. One more question: do you know anything about the shot having squalene in it? If so, what is the harm to both adults and small children of a dosage that would be found in a vaccination shot? Thanks, Lauren   At September 23, 2009 7:13 PM ,  Erin said... Yes, Dr. Bob thank you SO much for your response. I have heard that the trials that they are doing are made with out the Squalene in it and the vaxes that they will be giving here in a few week have the Squalene in it. Lauen, not sure if you read Dr. Mercola's newsletters, but I have found him to be a breath of fresh air along with Dr. Bob. mercola.com   At September 23, 2009 7:55 PM ,  Anonymous said... Thank you Dr. Bob for all of the detailed information. I am still struggling as to whether or not to give my 3 and 6 y. old these 2 flu shots - My son will be 4 this year and is up for 4 different shots. that sounds like overload for a little body. I skipped the flu shot for myself and children last yr. and we were well -- am I wrong to hope for the same this year??   At September 24, 2009 2:58 AM ,  Catherina said... CanadianMom GSK is doing trials for both, unadjuvanted and adjuvanted vaccines and the final vaccine has not been published. We describe what the vaccine is most likely to look like on our blog http://justthevax.blogspot.com but at this time, it is just inferred, preliminary etc. I am watching the Canadian situation for a friend there, so we will be sure to post an update if we hear anything.   At September 24, 2009 4:18 PM ,  Dr. Bob said... Erin and Lauren - the is no squalene in the U.S. shots that have been approved. IF one is, then I'll look into squalene. As of now, I know nothing about squalene. Anon - should you worry MORE about this coming flu season? I don't know. Every year the news says "this is going to be the worst flu season EVER!" Ever since I've been a doctor that hasn't turned out to be true. One of these years they may be right. But I don't see any reason to believe it will be THIS year.   At September 24, 2009 7:06 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Sears, Is there less of an immune response if you get the swine or regular flu shot greater than one month apart( say 2 months apart versus one) ?   At September 25, 2009 6:42 AM ,  Rob said... Thanks for the additional information about this vaccine. Of all the research I've done, this has been the most helpful.   At September 25, 2009 8:56 AM ,  Catherina said... CanadianMom http://justthevax.blogspot.com/2009/09/eu-approves-gsk-pandemrix-and-novartis.html   At September 26, 2009 5:33 AM ,  Jamie said... Thank you for answering my questions everyone. It is much appreciated! As for the negative Anonymous commenter~ I'm sure there are or have been parenting choices you have made that other people have not approved of. I hope those negative people did not stop you from doing what you felt was the best thing for YOU and YOUR family. I did not nursemy oldest at all, my second I nursed for only 3 or 4 months. My goal was to make it to one year nursing our son and albeit a couple bumps in the road we not only met but exceeded my goal, all but about 25 hours of the past two years being at the breast. I never pictured or considered I'd be one of "those" mothers, the tandem/toddler nursing ones you so ignorantly judge as I did before I fully and completely understood how breastfeeding so dynamically affects both mother and child. I have continued to nurse my son because it's what I feel is best for him at this time. Not just because of the overwhelming benefits that being at the breast and breastmilk provide but because he's not ready to fully wean. One day he will be and the two years, two and a half, three years will seem like a blink of an eye compared to the rest of his life but the benefits of doing so will last his entire life and the rest of mine. Breastfeeding is still meeting some need in him. Reading up on H1N1 and flu I'm also happy, relieved almost, to be able to provide both of my younger ones with whatever benefits my milk can to help them get through this cold and flu season. You're not the first one to judge me and won't be the last but I will remain steadfast... your negativity will not break me, nor will the bumps in the road. Greater than your negative comments or your perceptions are my children.   At September 28, 2009 7:27 AM ,  Joyce said... Dr. Bob, You have helped me with my questions in the past so I hope you can now as well. I have a daughter who is a 23 month old international adoptee with late correction TAPVR Type II unobstructed. She was eight months old at time of surgery. She had pulmonary hypertension which has resolved. However she has some mild "feathering" in her chest wall from the repeated pneumonia. He resting respiratory rate is down (over the course of a year since surgery) from 57 bpm to 25 BPM. She is unvaccinated and very well....almost NEVER sick. Very robust kiddo. I do realize, however, that my girl is a high risk person for H1N1 complications and would consider vaccinating her against it. I was wondering if the 1/2 dose would then require four shots? Or if you have any specific recomendations for a child such as mine. How to best prepare for the shot...and which shot she would be best suited to? Thank you so much in advance. Joyce   At September 28, 2009 1:33 PM ,  Dr. Bob said... Anon - I don't know about the immune response question. Joyce - any baby with a heart condition like this should probably get flu shots - yes. As for your question about 1/2 doses and needing four shots - yes you would get the 1/2 dose version, and it would be 2 doses of the regular flu shot (if she didn't get two doses last year), but only 1 dose if she got 2 doses last year. As for the H1N1, it would be two doses of the 1/2 dose version. Is that what you are asking?   At September 29, 2009 1:21 PM ,  Traci said... Dr Bob: Would you recommend the H1N1 vaccine for a child with lung disease (histiocytosis) currently on high dose chemotherapy. I've asked his oncologist and can only get the standard "no research has been done" and this is a large concern for us.   At September 29, 2009 1:29 PM ,  Anonymous said... Will your practice be offering the mercury free flu/swine shots?   At September 29, 2009 2:33 PM ,  Dana said... Okay, I have a one-year-old who just got her first dose of the regular flu vaccine. After reading Dr. Bob's comments, I am uncertain about her having 4 doses of flu this season. Especially since she has a bone marrow condition, and even the vaccines send her blood counts down slightly. She is nursing, but she is also in daycare 2 days a week. Do I take my chances with the swine flu (my husband will NOT like that idea of skipping the H1N1 vaccine, but he'll let me decide).   At September 29, 2009 3:51 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, Thanks for being available to answer questions. I have been spacing out the vaccines like on your schedule and have one dtap left to do (I never got the rotovirus vaccine for my son mostly due to timing)I had thought that your book said it was ok to get dtap and flu together but should I space them two weeks apart? My son is healthy (knock on wood) but I have a host of neurological issues in my family--epilepsy and bipolar disorder namely. Please let me know...I would appreciate it SO much! Thanks.   At September 29, 2009 3:53 PM ,  Anonymous said... Ps. From flu/dtap mom---my son is 7months and my name is Kate!   At September 29, 2009 7:06 PM ,  my5sons said... Hey Dr Bob, love you book, love your Dad too! Question: I have a 2, 10, 13, 14, 17 year old(s)...all boys. Our 13 year old had kawasakis disease in may. Was hospitalized with the IVIG treatment and aspirin therapy. He is still on aspirin therapy (precautionary as his echo's were normal after the slight enlargement from the first one in hospital). Now he cannot get the flu shots/ mist. The rest of us have and will be getting the other 2 boys shots soon. Pediatrician said he does NOT need to get the h1n1 or reg flu...it would be / could be very dangerous. Why is this? Do you concur with their advice? H1N1 is really going around here-it scares me. He also has aspergers syndrome and has eczema mildly. He is brilliant! Thanks for all you do!! love your book!   At September 29, 2009 7:22 PM ,  Lynn said... Dr. Sears - Am I correct in understanding that the "swine flu" vaccines are not live virus vaccines, with the exception of the nasal spray version? Were the vaccines in 1976, the ones that caused so many side effects, live virus vaccines? Thank you for your time and for answering my questions.   At September 29, 2009 8:02 PM ,  Michelle - Canada said... Rumor has is that the GSK vaccine to be used in Canada contains "GSK's proprietary adjuvant system AS03". According to media reports pregnant women will not receive this adjuvanted vaccine, but rather an alternative. A group of people including Dr.s here in Canada are pushing to have infants also receive the un-adjuvanted form. Do you have any information on AS03? Is it squalene based? I do not want my son receiving an adjuvanted shot. My son is American and I will travel to the US and pay out of pocket if I have to. Of the four approved in the US, have any undergone more extensive testing or have ingredients that should be less of a concern in your opinion?   At September 29, 2009 9:00 PM ,  Anonymous said... On getting any vaccines during pregnancy - I can't say what will happen to others, but with my first pregnancy I got a regular flu shot and a pneumonia shot and bled for 9 days. Not terribly, but enough to cause worry. (The pharmacist scanned the pneumonia shot insert and told me the vaccine wasn't contraindicated. However, as soon as I got home I looked it up and it, in fact, was contraindicated during pregnancy.) As far as I know my now 2-year-old was not affected. However, I vowed never to get another vaccine while pregnant. And I haven't found a good enough reason to get one when I wasn't pregnant but was nursing. I choose to protect my family's health naturally. (Yes, anon, another crazy woman giving her child the benefit of breast milk after age two. Consult the World Health Organization's recommendations if you want insight.)   At September 29, 2009 9:31 PM ,  linda said... I'm 6 months pregnant and terrified of getting any type of shots. I just had a mild form of the flu last week and did just fine. My concern is over mandatory vaccination programs. Has anyone heard of this? The whole freedom issue aside, I do not believe flu vacs are necessary for healthy individuals.   At September 30, 2009 5:01 AM ,  Emily said... Dr. Sears- My daughter is almost 3, healthy, but extremely allergic to eggs. She had the strongest reaction possible on a skin test, and the one time she had a single bite of cooked egg yolk at 9 months, her entire trunk broke out in hives. On the advice of her allergist, she has never received a flu shot. Since this flu appears to be no more severe than the regular flu, do I continue to go with the idea that the anaphylaxis risks are higher than the flu protection? And are there ANY flu vaccines ever that are NOT made with eggs? She is fully vaccinated on the regular schedule except for the MMR, I am either finding an egg-free one (I have heard they exist) or skipping it altogether. The allergist was OK with that one, cautiously, and her regular doctor would do it, but would have her stay in the office for at least 30 minutes afterwards to see if she has a reaction. And that scares me! After hearing another mom's story about her child's reaction to a vaccine with components he is allergic to (very severe), I was too nervous to try it. But the flu makes me nervous as well. My daughter is in a small home daycare with my mother, but there are children there with school-age siblings. Thanks!   At September 30, 2009 5:42 AM ,  Anonymous said... I think Jamie's question earlier was whether or not she could pass the benefits of the vaccine as far as antibodies to her breast fed children, since she asked if they could "catch the vaccine".   At September 30, 2009 6:50 AM ,  Anonymous said... I'm pregnant and will definitely be getting both the regular and H1N1 vaccine. Pregnant women are among the group at highest risk for complications including death if they contract H1N1. The hospitalization rate for pregnant women is 6x higher than for other women in similar age groups. Yes, a new vaccine scares me, but the risks are unknown and likely to be relatively small. The risks of H1N1 and seasonal flu are known and are and given the pandemic nature of the disease seem much greater than the risks of the shot. Getting the vaccines also seems like a good idea since immunity for at least the seaonal flu and hopefully H1N1 is passed along to your baby. Since infants are among high risk groups too, it seems like a good way to protect me and my infant from known, real risks. I will space out the seasonal & H1N1 and will seek the mercury free options. I know CVS carries mercury free seasonal flu vaccines. Where to obtain mercury free H1N1 is not yet known since it's not out. Good luck to each you you struggling with this decision. I hope this helps.   At September 30, 2009 6:56 AM ,  Anonymous said... 4 flu shots for my 7 month old baby? That can't be right. I am hysterical. I don't know what to do.   At September 30, 2009 8:01 AM ,  Anonymous said... I am 17 weeks pregnant and have pretty much decided that I am not getting the regular or swine flu vaccines. I have only gotten the seasonal flu vaccine once and it was one of the years they got the strain wrong. I think all pregnant women should make their own decisions, but I don't want to be an experiement. It clearly states in all three package inserts that the H1N1 vaccine has not been tested for safety and effectiveness in pregnant and nursing women. Why on earth would I take a drug or get a shot that has NO SAFETY RECORD for pregnant/nursing women. We are told that we can only take certains meds during pregnancy and we should avoid seafood with high mercury content, etc. and now we are being asked to take a gamble and shoot ourselves up twice for something that may not even be effective? I just don't see the logic, and since there is no research supporting the recommendations for pregnant women, I am going to beef up my immune system, stay away from crowds, be that weird person on a plane wearing a mask, and just generally take really good care of my body. That is what I feel is right for me.   At September 30, 2009 10:48 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Sears, I have a question about the safety and effectiveness issue. What is the difference between the trials they are doing now with the H1N1 vaccine and the testing you mention necessary to "demonstrate whether or not they are safe and whether or not they even work?" Clarification would be helpful. Thanks, Melissa   At September 30, 2009 12:33 PM ,  Noel said... what about nano-particles they can be very deadly and I heard the vaccines have them for better transport to the immune system.   At September 30, 2009 12:36 PM ,  Noel said... just in case you don't believe me http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?aid=15092&context=va   At September 30, 2009 3:24 PM ,  DR. Bob Sears said... Traci - Hmmm - yes I would say that any flu disease could be worse for him. but really, I don't know how to factor in the chemotherapy. I can't really say what to do here. Anon - yes Dana - I just can't answer this specific type of question. Anon - about DTaP and flu - it is technically ok to get these together, since DTaP isn't too reactive. My5sons - no, I wouldn't vax a child with these conditions either. Lynn - yes you are correct. But I don't know how the ones in 1976 were made. Michelle - I actually don't know anything about that version of the vaccine. Linda - the only mandatory issues have been for medical personelle in some medical centers - not common yet though. Emily - no, there are no flu shots without egg that I know of. Anon- safety and effectiveness trials - that is what they are doing now. I'll write about it when this info comes out.   At September 30, 2009 9:06 PM ,  Megan Menke said... Hi. I'm wondering how I find a prefilled single 1/2 dose for my children. Both have high-risk disorders. I've been going back and forth about getting the swine flu shot for them even though their specialists highly recommend it. Is it something I am just going to have to call around town to find? I noticed today when my 3 year old got her regular flu shot that it looked like it was from a multidose bottle. (of course after reading this article on mecury). Thank you.   At September 30, 2009 9:31 PM ,  KeepStriving said... Can getting the flu vaccine lower our immunity to other things? (and if so, for how long?-is that even known? and what about the vaccine could lower our immunity-the chemicals? If my children get the seasonal flu vaccine first, could they be more vulnerble to H1N1? If H1N1 mutates, could it be because of a combination of the two flus-seasonal plus H1N1 and if we receive both vaccines, will that potentially protect us from that mutation..or is that wishful thinking? Our whole family is scheduled to get the seasonal vac on saturday, but I'm still not sure if this is the best decision.. so many unknowns. was hoping you might have some insights or information regarding those nagging questions I have. ?? Most people I ask have no idea..even doctors.. Perhaps there isnt' enough research yet to fully answer those questions..   At October 1, 2009 12:11 PM ,  Kimberley said... Dr. Sears, We are having our daughter evaluated on Tuesday for tremors in her hands upon doing tasks such as snaps and writing (she's 3 1/2). Given that this will likely entail some testing that will take some time, my concern is throwing more toxins into her system when we are unsure of the causes of her tremors. I am going to ask the neuro on Tuesday at our appointment, but interested in your opinion. ALSO, she is SMALL for her age (only 28 pounds fully clothed). Are dosages based on age appropriate for her or should she have a smaller dose based on size?   At October 1, 2009 1:42 PM ,  Joyce said... Yes Dr. Bob...thank you so much. I just called my Pediatrician and asked that my daughter be put on the list for the first 80,000 doses coming into NH sometime in the next two weeks. It is unfortunately the live virus flu mist. My daughter won't be two until Halloween and I wonder if it is safe for her to have this particular version. Apparently we won't be getting the regular shots for a while so the mist is my only option. Would you recommend giving it to someone with her heart and lung history? (and like I said earlier...Children's hospital thinks she is healthy as a horse except for some scarring on her lungs). Thanks again and last question I promise!!! :)   At October 1, 2009 5:53 PM ,  evelyn said... Dr. Bob, I have decided to "wait" on the H1N1 for myself since I am 30 weeks pregnant and not particularly fond of the fact that it has not been tested on pregnant women. You mention in your blog post that the "regular" flu vax has not been tested on pregnant or nursing mothers either! I had no idea!! I was planning on getting the preservative free shot tomorrow but now I'm concerned. I can't find any info on adverse effects on the unborn child (my biggest concern at this point). I don't know why, but I didn't get the flu shot during my 1st pregnancy and never got the flu. Now I'm concerned (primarily b/c my work setting has changed--I work in a pediatrician's office) that I may be exposing myself more (although I do not have any direct contact w/ sick patients and wear a mask if/when I go through the halls). Should I worry about the safety of the preservative free shot? Thank you so much. Evelyn   At October 1, 2009 6:28 PM ,  Anonymous said... The swine flu vaccine has undergone clinical trials...the seasonal flu vaccine undergoes the same trials every year. my niece and nephew were a part of the study and are doing fine.   At October 2, 2009 5:24 AM ,  Anonymous said... From glu/dtap mom: Dr. Sears you are the BEST! Thank you for answering my question. Wish you were our pediatrician in real life!   At October 2, 2009 8:56 AM ,  Anonymous said... From previous anon - 17 weeks pregnant... Evelyn - all of the product inserts for the seasonal flu vaccines also state they have never been tested on pregnant or nursing women. You can go to the FDA website to find the inserts. They pretty much say the exact same things as the H1N1 product inserts. Being part of a study doesn't guarantee or assess long-term safety and/or any harm that may be done to the fetus or nursing baby. But, that's just my assessment of all the reading and research I've done.   At October 2, 2009 7:52 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Sears - Am I correct in understanding that if a pregnant woman gets the h1n1 vaccine, the immunity is NOT passed on to the baby? Or no one really knows? Thank you for your time.   At October 2, 2009 8:27 PM ,  Kimberley said... Anon: No one really knows. The women who've been given the shot probably aren't being followed to test their babies, and if they are, too few of them have likely given birth yet to get any reliable data.   At October 3, 2009 8:47 AM ,  Jackie V said... Dr Sears - I just wanted to say thank you for putting this in an easy to read and informative format. I appreciate the time you take to help all of us weed thru the garbage out there in the regular media. I also appreciate your candor as to whether you will get the shot or not. :) I have passed your info on to the other chat groups I am in to spread accurate info Thank you!   At October 5, 2009 2:01 PM ,  Anonymous said... I'm in my first trimester and trying to decide what (if any) vaccines I should get. I realize that the H1n1 vaccine has not been tested on pregnant women and am therefore not planning to get it at this point. I am, however, considering a regular flu shot (thimerosal-free). Dr. Bob, do you know if this is considered safe in the first trimester? Thanks   At October 5, 2009 3:58 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr Sears, you state that the top 4 vaccines to get are Hib, Pertussis, Rotavirus and Pc Meningitis. I looked at my child's record and I do not see Pc Meningitis or rotavirus on the record sheet. Is it listed as something else? My child is 3 and not sure if he has received them. He went to his 3 year old well visit and the Dr. said that he was very close to being up to date with his vaccines and none needed until he was 4. Thanks for your time.   At October 6, 2009 7:52 AM ,  Mary Jo said... To the previous poster. Pc Meningitis is probably listed on your vaccine list as Prevnar. And, the Rotavirus vaccine was not around 3 years ago so your child would not have received that. Not a big deal as Rotavirus affects infants.   At October 6, 2009 9:16 AM ,  Anonymous said... Thanks Mary Jo for info about Rotavirus and Pc Meningitis. I didn't see Prevnar listed either, could it be under Pneumococcal? I have the Ca. State Immunization Record so you would think it would all be there. They have 10 vaccines listed: Polio, DTap-Tdap-Td-DT, HIB, Hepatitis B, MMR, Chicken pox, Hep A, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal and Influenza.   At October 6, 2009 10:20 AM ,  JP said... Dr. Sears, I received the regular flu shot on September 9 and had a miscarriage on September 29. I was 6 weeks pregnant. I know that it impossible to know for sure why I had the miscarriage, but is it possible that the flu shot could have caused it or am I just being paranoid? Thanks for all of your great advice!   At October 6, 2009 1:06 PM ,  Anonymous said... To anonymous in her first trimester - I know I'm not Dr. Sears and I'm sure he'll respond, but just to let you know what anon. a view postings above is correct. The seasonal flu shot has not been, and is not being, testing on pregnant or nursing women for the safety of the fetus or secretion of the drug in breast milk.   At October 6, 2009 1:58 PM ,  Angela said... Dr. Bob I have been following your vaccine schedule for my 16mo old although she has not had her flu shot yet. Which would you recomend first? And should each shot be spread out a month so if she started now, all flu shots would be done in December? And if I read right we should forego all other shots until Feb/Mar. Please let me know. Thanks.   At October 6, 2009 6:25 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr Bob, Do you think it might be informative to point out that so far this flu season that pregnant women are dying from H1N1 disease at a disproportionately higher rate than any other group and that to not take the vaccine places you and your developing fetus at a very high risk?   At October 7, 2009 2:26 AM ,  Catherina said... JP, I know it is not a big consolation, but a LOT of women lose their babies in early pregnancy. Depending on age, 1 in 5 to 1 in 2 babies do not make it past the first trimester. Causes for early pregnancy loss are usually that there is something wrong with the baby, or that your hormones did not support the pregnancy (ask your doctor about progesterone levels). I am sending big HUGS.   At October 7, 2009 4:28 AM ,  Suzanna said... Still haven't made up my mind if I should have my 12-month old twins vaccinated with the H1N1 this year or not - they've had their share of colds since they've started day care in April, but so far no major complications from it. My question is, should they not get vaccinated and catch the virus, will they, most likely get through this flu just like through any other flu (fever, cough, etc for a week), considering that they don't have any other preexisting conditions? Or are they at a higher risk of dying from this strain, just because they are so young and the H1N1 virus is more aggressive than the regular flu? Is the risk of them developing complications from this strain higher than the risk we take from getting them vaccinated with a "new" vaccine?   At October 7, 2009 6:33 AM ,  Deb said... I'm 23 weeks pregnant and I'm definitely getting the H1N1 vaccine. Thus far 28 pregnant women have died from H1N1 - among the highest risk group for complications including death. That's far scarier to me than the unknown but likely very small risk of vaccine complications. My 2 year old son and I just got the mercury free seasonal vaccine too without any issues. I was vaccinated for seasonal flu while pregnant with my son and had no issues. (I have read that some doctors recommend waiting until after the first trimester which is what I did.) Since he was born in October I wanted to pass along immunity to him since we also know that newborns are in a high risk group. I'm going to do what I can to protect myself & my family from known and documented risks. I hope this helps - I know there's a lot of confusing information out there. Here's an article I found useful: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/30/eveningnews/main5354121.shtml   At October 7, 2009 8:45 AM ,  Anonymous said... Pregnant Women- This information is mainly for pregnant women, or those who will be pregnant during the Flu season and are wondering what information is out there about the H1N1 vaccine. I am 15 weeks pregnant with my second child (DD is 14 months old). Why all the hype about pregnant women getting the H1N1 virus? Dr Sears said in a previous post that he didn't know the specific numbers about H1N1 in pregnant women, and to check out the CDC website. I looked into this and found that according to the CDC "About 6% of confirmed H1N1 2009 influenza deaths in the US have been in pregnant women, while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant at any given time." (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/providers_qa.htm) This is a pretty big percentage. That being said, I have no idea what I am going to do. I am not due until March 2010, the heart of Flu season, so waiting it out may not be the best option for me. I have done lots of research on the H1N1 vaccine, and still am torn about what to do. True, there are risks with any high-fever causing illness (hospitalization, premature birth, etc.) but, do the risks outweigh the benefits of the vaccine? I feel pretty comfortable with the seasonal flu vaccine, and am comfortable getting it (I did so with my first baby, with no complications. True there have been no specific tests on the effect of the seasonal flu vaccine in pregnancy, but they have been vaccinating pregnant women for years.) But this newer version makes me a little nervous, without enough safety trials to back it up. Dr. Sears, I just want to thank you for the information that you provide for all of us. I have always been a bit of a hypochondriac and a worrier. Being a mother has not helped this! Your information is always level-headed and well-researched; it definitely has a calming effect on my nerves. In researching the H1N1 vaccine, I turned to you first without hesitating because I knew you would have such detailed information. The Vaccine Book changed the way I vaccinate my child and makes me more comfortable about making those decisions for my family. Thank you so much from a co-sleeping, attachment parenting, stay-at-home mom!   At October 7, 2009 10:28 AM ,  Roby Mitchell M.D. said... Good,unbiased information. The Novartis H1N1 vaccine does contain the MF59 squalene cognate. This is new in the U.S. Theoretically, antibodies formed to this antigen could cross react with native squalene in nerve tissue and precipitate an auto immune response in nerve tissue. Also appropriate to discuss ways of enhancing innate immune function overall by including more dark,fresh produce, restricting sugar and animal/trans fats,making sure vitamin D levels are therapeutic,preventing hypothyroidism during pregnancy(thyroid hormone modulates immune function),supplementing with iodine,selenium,fish oil,magnesium,B complex and vitamin A. Good job. Thank you.   At October 7, 2009 1:10 PM ,  Sheryl said... I asked my doctor's office which type of H1N1 vaccine and from which manufacturer they will be offering. I said I wanted them to offer the single dose mercury free type. The answer I got was that they don't get to decide what type and from which manufacturer, but that it is sent to them by the Health Department and CDC. Does that make sense? Shouldn't the individual health providers be able to order the mercury free single doses if their patients want them?   At October 7, 2009 2:54 PM ,  Anonymous said... My daughter's pediatrician is giving preservative free regular flu shots for the babies and is offering the preservative free live virus flu nasal mist for the adults. It is supposed to be more affective. She did tell me she will not administer it to me if I am pregnant or could get pregnant in the next month. If I was pregnant, she recommends the one that my daughter is getting that is in the shot form and not live.   At October 7, 2009 2:57 PM ,  Anonymous said... Sheryl, You can choose what type of vaccine you want, but if your office doesn't have it or is not willing to order it, you should ask around and find a dr. office that does or will order it. There is bound to be on in your city. My daughter's pediatrician will order a specific brand if enough parents want it...I think she needed at least 10 parents before. So that may be the case. Just ask and then round up enough people to join in the order with you.   At October 7, 2009 3:18 PM ,  Sheryl said... The nurse at my doctor's office said they don't get to order anything, the CDC just sends vaccines and they have no choice as to which ones they get. That does not make any sense to me.   At October 7, 2009 8:42 PM ,  KeepStriving said... I am wondering about the peak of the H191. Seasonal flu peaks in Feb (ish) depending on where you are, but I read a little online that this flu may actually peak in Oct/Nov like other pandemics. Is that true/and/or a possability??   At October 8, 2009 8:42 AM ,  Anonymous said... I have a question about the beta-propiolactone. I don't see it addressed as a reason to get the flu/swine flu shots on this site. I read here (in the "first aid" section): http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/9020 that it is an animal carcinogen and can cause death even from short exposure to small quantities. It also discusses liver and kidney injury, etc., What is it that makes it safe to use in an injection?   At October 10, 2009 3:58 AM ,  Lindsay said... Dr. Bob, I can't begin to thank you enough for The Vaccine Book and your updates. Your book was a Godsend to me two years ago before my daughter was born. I, like many parents struggled with whether to vaccinate or not. Working with children with autism & developmental disabilities made me particulary sensitive to the issues of vaccination. With your book I was able to make an informed decision about what is best for my daughter. I also found a wonderful pediatrician who is supportive of my decisions. I've never found another book as unbiased as yours. You lay out the facts, benefits, & risks and let me decide what is right for my child. (I continue to recommend it to everyone I know.) Thank you for this latest update on the H1N1. It has been hard to tell what is hype & what is reality. I am expecting a baby boy in Decemeber, and I have continued to flip back & forth on whether I will get the shot. At least I have the information before me now...which I haven't found anywhere else! Thank you again, and please continue with the updates!   At October 10, 2009 9:57 AM ,  Brenda said... Studies stating that there is no link between Autism and Vaccines were ALL FUNDED BY Pharmaceutical Companies. 1 in 58 boys in this country has Autism. Pharmaceutical Comps do as they please because they give $$$s to our congressmen and politiicians. Vaccines DO CAUSE AUTISM but just as long as Pharmaceutical Comps are funding the studies and giving money to our polticians, they can do as they please http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/induscode.php?l name=H4300&year=2009   At October 10, 2009 10:00 AM ,  Brenda said... 2 nieces 1 nephew Sister Brother-in-Law All "HAD" the Swine Flu. They were all fine. No Vaccines. It is a regular flu unless there are underlying conditions. Don't VACCINATE. The Vaccine will do more harm. Breastfeeding is best and eating organic healthy food is tops!   At October 10, 2009 10:12 AM ,  Brenda said... My son is 1.5 years old and I HAVE NOT vaccinated my child at ALL. I breastfeed all the time. He eats organic food. He is also on a small amount of Goat's Milk. He is just fine. No need for Vaccines here - just a lot of BREAST MILK FOR VITAMINS AND ANTIBODIES!   At October 11, 2009 4:00 AM ,  slowfoodmom said... I have a 2.5 yr old, weaned, and a 12 month old still breastfeeding. I plan to continue to breastfeed through the rest of flu season especially and am curious to know if giving my 2.5 yr old pumped doses of his sisters stored breastmilk would be beneficial to his immune system in any way? Would a regular basis be more helpful or just as an "immuno-cocktail" if and when he gets sick at any time. Very Curious about these benefits. Slowfoodmom   At October 11, 2009 8:17 AM ,  Brenda said... I am breastfeeding until the age of 5. No need for HIB or PCV. My son never gets sick. And, I follow the Dr. Sears Happy Baby Going Green Book. Organic Food, Breast Milk and some Goat's milk so important! DO NOT stop breastfeeding. Do not stop even if you are producing just a little bit of milk. Breast milk provides the best antibodies. BREAST IS BEST.   At October 11, 2009 8:50 PM ,  Carrie said... Dr. Sears, Thank you for all of your great information. You noted in a previous blog that you will not get the flu or H1N1 vaccine because you don't like needles, but have you decided as a parent if your children would be getting either flu vaccine? Also, I am still breastfeeding my 15 month old and will do so through flu season. I was wondering if I could provide my 3 year old any added protection if I pump extra for her? Would even a few ounces a day help my 3 year old? Is there a certain amount of breastmilk that is needed to really help their immune systems? Thank you!   At October 13, 2009 9:44 AM ,  beth - total mom haircut said... Hi Dr. Bob, Thank you for keeping us so well-informed on the various flu vaccines this year. I do have one thing I am still confused about and was wondering if you could help. I know that for their very first flu vaccine each child needs the two doses, separated by about one month. And it sounds to me like the only difference in the H1N1 vaccine is in the strain of flu that it carries, which is what I understand to be the difference in the flu vaccines from year to year as well. So if the only difference in the two vaccines (regular flu and H1N1) is in the strain, and kids don't need to get regular flu vaccines twice once they've had it the first time, why does H1N1 not fall into that category as well? In other words, why do children need to get the two doses of H1N1 assuming this is not their first year getting any type of flu vaccine? Thanks so much, Beth   At October 14, 2009 9:01 AM ,  Anonymous said... RE Breastfeeding and antibodies.... Babies are born with partial immunity to anything mom is immune to. These antibodies are not passed through breastmilk. However, ACTIVE antibodies (anything your immune system is fighting off currently) ARE passed through breastmilk. If you get a shot (I'm not advising it, but if you did) your body has an active immune response to that virus and it will be passed on. The problem with vaccines is that the wrong immune system reacts to it and it overreacts, which causes other problems. Your mucous membranes are supposed to be the first line of defense against pathogens. ACE, LS   At October 14, 2009 11:17 AM ,  Anonymous said... Can a pregnant mom be around a household of children that have had FluMist or is it best that they all just get the shots? ~concerned about the 21 day shedding.   At October 14, 2009 12:56 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr Bob, I am 3 months pregnant and my OB told me that out of 900 pregnant women who got the Swine Flu in their 3rd trimester, 90 have died. She said that number (10%) is alarming.Seems alarming to me. Do you have any thoughts on this and what a woman who will be in her 3rd trimester of pregnancy during flu season should do? Thank you for your time!   At October 14, 2009 2:52 PM ,  Rachel said... I have been going back and forth about getting my boys the swine flu vaccine. My oldest is 7 and has asthma and he has a really hard time with just a regular cold and my youngest is 2 and he goes to play group weekly and he has a hard time getting over colds they last for weeks. Is it as safe as the seasonal flu shot? Dr. Bob have you heard of anyone having severe side effects yet?   At October 14, 2009 7:20 PM ,  Kimberley said... Dr. Mitchell - where do you get your info that the Novartis vax has squalene in it? See http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf   At October 14, 2009 8:07 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr Bob, I am nervous about the ingredients that are listed in the swine flu vaccine. Do you agree that formaldehyde and/or beta-propiolactone in vaccines are safe to be given to kids? Which one is safer?   At October 15, 2009 12:50 AM ,  Carolyn said... Dear "At October 1, 2009 12:11 PM , Kimberley said..."; In regards to your concerns about toxins effecting your child neurologically, please check out Dr Russell Blaylock's research in regards to vaccines. He is a board certified neurosurgeon, author, and lecturer. Here is Dr Blaylock's take on the swine flu vaccine: http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/dr-russell-blaylock-vaccine-may-be-more-dangerous-than-swine-flu/ Also, a very compelling video by Dr Blaylock about the links between nutrition and behavior: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2963728494205235281# I hope you find this information helpful.   At October 15, 2009 12:58 AM ,  Carolyn said... Dr Sears, Thank you for your willingness to converse about vaccines. I personally have not vaccinated my child, and I continue to do research regarding my decision. I have had very frustrating experiences with several doctors who refuse to discuss the issue. I also cannot thank you enough for your high regard for breastfeeding. Keep up the good work. Have you had a chance to review the research of Dr Russell Blaylock? I have found his research to be very intriguing, and would be interested in your professional opinion of him. Thank you.   At October 15, 2009 11:35 AM ,  Concerned mama of 3 said... Dr. Bob & other concerned parents, I nursed my girls, 6yrs & 4yrs old, until they were a little over 2 years old. We have never recieved a flu shot and we've never gotten the flu. I am currently exclusively nursing my 3 month old son and am concerned that maybe this year, we should all get vaccinated to protect HIM. I am very weary of vaccinations and prefer the most natural approach, but am worried in this case I may want to be safer than sorry because of the H1N1 scare. Should I continue to trust my instinct in keeping them healthy through diet, excercise & cleanliness or go ahead and trust these suggested vaccines? (even the mercury free ones)   At October 15, 2009 11:40 AM ,  Sheryl said... I asked my clinic if they have the H1N1 mercury free vaccine. They said they have no vaccine yet, and when they get it it will be whatever kind is sent to them by the CDC. They said they have no choice about what type they will be given, and no idea when they will have any vaccine at all. Is it different where you live?   At October 15, 2009 5:13 PM ,  Anonymous said... Hi Dr. Sears! Just really wanted to thank you for what you do. Myself and other moms I know really look to you and trust that you do the research for us that we do not have time to do while wrangling babies! We need more minds in the medical and scientific communities that are willing to be brave and unbiased. Thanks again! (Oh, and love ya on the Doctors!)   At October 15, 2009 8:26 PM ,  Anonymous said... @ Sheryl: It is the same thing here! I am trying to find the mercury free vaccine for myself (I am 26 weeks pregnant) and my 2 1/2 year old daughter.   At October 16, 2009 11:21 AM ,  Lisa said... Thank you so much for presenting the facts. When are you going to be on Oprah? You are the Dr. Oz for parents and kids....   At October 16, 2009 2:51 PM ,  Anonymous said... I'm a public health nurse in WI. Doctors offices were asked in our state to order exactly what they wanted - multidose vials have small amounts of thimerosal in them as a preservative, and pre-filled syringes do not. There are half-dose pre-filled syringes available for order. Also, pregnant women and their babes ARE at higher risk than the rest of the population for both becoming very ill from the H1N1 influenza and from dying of the illness. It can come on VERY quickly - one woman here saw her doc on a Thursday, was sent home with "sniffles"; came back sick on Saturday, was tested for H1N1 but not treated; came in through the ER early Sunday am and went right to the ICU where she was intubated and ventilated for respiratory failure. The babe was born by C-section, but couldn't see the mom until mom had been treated for several days with antivirals and wasn't shedding large amounts of virus. Both lived - but it was a close thing. In my opinion, pregnant women AND the family members who could expose the new baby to H1N1 should be vaccinated. If you DON'T get vaccinated, at least have a hard-and-fast plan for getting tested for H1N1 and starting treatment with antivirals AS SOON AS the least little symptoms occur. Most people in WI who were hospitalized with H1N1 had symptoms for 3 days or less. So you can't wait and see - the antiviral drugs work by preventing the virus from replicating in your body, so after 48 hours, there's enough virus to make you sick whether or not you take antivirals. Antivirals after 48 hrs MAY lessen the severity of illness, but don't prevent it. This plan may mean that you take several courses of Tamiflu or Relenza (antiviral drugs) during the your pregnancy. You and your doctor would have to decide whether the risk of the vaccine outweighs the risk of potentially several courses of antiviral medication during your pregnancy.   At October 16, 2009 3:36 PM ,  Noel said... I am sorry but this sounds more like a Dr that didn't do his/her job. The vaccines are more dangerous than the swine flu and no amount of mercury is safe. Squalene formaldahyde anti freeze not things u wish to put in my body that are poisen. I challenge the propaganda of the seine flu damaging the lungs to. Who funded that study.   At October 16, 2009 4:58 PM ,  Brandy said... I have a question Dr. Bob that I don't believe has been asked. Do you know what level of efficacy a person would get from just 1 dose of the H1N1 vaccine? I am 25w pg and have a 2yo. We don't normally vaccinate against the flu nor have we gotten the flu. I can't even remember when I personally have (childhood maybe). I'm not big on the flu vaccine but I must admit all the hype worries me a bit. I was thinking of maybe compromising and getting just 1 dose for me and my son as a little immunity booster assuming there is an immunity benefit to doing so. Thanks so much!   At October 16, 2009 8:15 PM ,  Kimberley said... Noel, Do your research, there is NO SQUALENE in any of the US vaccines.   At October 16, 2009 9:39 PM ,  Anonymous said... @ Brandy: Adults only need one dose of the H1N1 vaccine.   At October 17, 2009 2:40 AM ,  Sheryl said... In response to the public health nurse in Wisconsin, my 16 month old son and I were sick, and we went to the doctor. I asked to be tested for H1N1. She said they do not test unless someone is hospitalized, and we weren't sick enough. I was hoping we did have H1N1, so we could stop worrying about the vaccine. As I said in an earlier post, our clinics do not get a choice as to which vaccines (with or without mercury) they will get.   At October 17, 2009 5:37 AM ,  Noel said... Kimberly Novartis and Glaxo smith-kline have squalene in their shots   At October 18, 2009 9:55 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dear Dr. Bob Sears, We are hoping to conceive soon, and though I have never had a flu shot in my life, with all the hype, I for the first time am considering getting vaccinated. I know you don't work with pregnant women, but since you have done more research on vaccines than any doctor I know, I would like to ask you this question: Do you think it could be advisable to get the swine flu shot before trying to conceive? How long would you recommend waiting to try to conceive after getting the vaccine? I also have a nearly 3 y.o. son, whom I am still nursing, so this is a concern for me with the vaccine also. Thank you for any advice.   At October 18, 2009 10:03 AM ,  Anonymous said... The media and statistics keep bringing reports of pregnant women who have died as a result of complications of the swine flu. What would be nice, is to get more reports and hear statistics on what percentage of confirmed cases have been in pregnant women and which percentage of those required hospitalization etc. Also on pregnant women who have contracted the swine flu but came through alright without need for hospital treatment. Since it is unlikely that such statistics will become available, I would love to hear from any pregnant women out there who have had confirmed cases of swine flu but made it through and what they had to go through.   At October 19, 2009 2:41 PM ,  Brandy said... Just to piggyback on the previous comment, I would love to see the stats from the seasonal flu...I bet pregnant women are responding the same way to the swine flu as they have to the seasonal flu. But I've never seen those stats.   At October 19, 2009 3:15 PM ,  Jen said... I'm about 6 1/2 months pregnant, and I have a daughter who will be 2next month. I still breastfeed her and overall she's been pretty healthy. My husband just had the seasonal flumist vaccine. My mother has been pleading me to vaccinate my daughter, but I'm just not sure. Obviously it feels selfish for me to either potentially put her at risk by not vaccinating her, or vaccinate her and risk a vaccine injury. Should we just work on strengthening our immune systems? Is it safe for pregnant women to take echinacea, or are there better supplements we can take? I am considering possibly getting vaccinated prior to my due date so that at least I have some protection when I am in the hospital. Thanks for all that you do.   At October 19, 2009 7:57 PM ,  sherriee said... What concerns me after reading your article are the following: 1. Under.. What is the difference between Trace and Full dose Mercury? You wrote "I believe that this amount is completly harmless" We all would like to believe this, but we really don't know, do we? 2. Under your subject of, Why not make all flu shots without mercury, the excuse was...Space and Money, Things that make you go hmmmm 3. In caps you wrote "MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING A MERCURY-FREE FLU VACCINE." Now I could be wrong but, I would like to think you as a person administating these vacines along with anyone else who may be marketing them and sticking them in peoples bodies should be the responsible parties to make sure they don't contain mercury or for that matter any other harmful chemicals. That is why the public does not trust our "legal" drug cartel or doctors in the U.S. WE SIMPLY SHOULDN'T IF WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE TO BE SURE OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO US   At October 19, 2009 8:36 PM ,  Noel said... To Jen it's to late your husband was given a live flu vaccine and has been shedding the virus from the moment he did he is contagious for 21 days after glumist Sherri agree totally we have be one sheeple time to hold those in charge accountable it'sy body my life and to many of them have a hidden agenda wether money or the New World Order. Remember the vaccine for H1N1 was patented BEFORE the virus itself. Baxter pharmaceuticals is the big danger here do your research on them   At October 20, 2009 7:55 AM ,  Anonymous said... I agree with posters above, I am 4 months pregnant, debating on the flu AND h1n1...I want to see stats on pregnant women.   At October 20, 2009 2:49 PM ,  Raquel said... I simply don't want to vax because I don't want my child to suffer 20-40 years from now when she's supposed to be raising her own children, but is dying from some side effects from the h1n1 vax. We don't know anything about this. Not to mention, it's basically the same as the seasonal flu. i think we are blowing this way out of proportion here. Eat right, wash your hands, exercise and stop picking your noises. Come on!   At October 20, 2009 2:52 PM ,  Raquel said... Pick your noises? LOL I ment noses! It's been a long day. ooooppppps   At October 21, 2009 6:22 AM ,  WuWei said... THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT RESTRICTING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN THE CDC. ALERT: Special Swine Flu Update http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/21/Special-Swine-Flu-Update.aspx Source: articles.mercola.com Urgent and vital information you need to know about the massive amount of disinformation that the media has recently escalated as best demonstrated by 60 Minutes segment on Swine Flu which aired this past Sunday. Pat   At October 21, 2009 3:22 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, Will your children be getting either the Seasonal Flu or H1N1 vaccinations? From a very concerned mother of two little girls!!!!!!   At October 22, 2009 8:30 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, I also have a few concerns. I'm pregnant and can't seem to decide which one is the least of two evils. How can they recommend the vaccine to pregnant women, when babies under 6 months cannot get it? If the H1N1 vaccine is just like the other flu vaccines, why would my 2 year old have to have 2 doses of it and only one of the regular vaccine. If it's like other flu shots, wouldn't you think one would be sufficient, since he already got 2 shots last year. Thanks! Sonja   At October 22, 2009 8:47 AM ,  KeepStriving said... Sonja, that is a good question about why pregnant women can get the vaccine, but children 6mos and younger can't...inconsistencies?? I do know that the reason children need 2 shots-because it is a new virus..and children have no antibodies to it at all, while with the seasonal flu many people already have some antibodies to it. so the immune system doesn't need the extra shot.. but children do need 2 initial (seasonal) flu shots too..if they have never gotten the seaonal vaccine..   At October 22, 2009 9:10 AM ,  Noel said... it's all lies the target here is to get the junk in the elderly and very young to create medical conditions. the people that fall in the middle are for the most part already polluted with the damage these vaccines will do to you. A Canadian study shows those born before 1950 already have the antibodies for this and that people who have been consistently vaccinating themselves with the flu shots are actually more susceptible to the flu viruses.   At October 22, 2009 10:37 AM ,  Anonymous said... Please, the H1N1 is different to the seasonal flu. For the vast majority it is the same - but it is disproportionately affecting young people and for the unfortunate few it will be extremely serious and life threatening. Dr Sears, you say the death rate is the same but you are quoting overall. 90% of deaths from the seasonal flu are the elderly, not so for the h1n1 which is affecting older children, women (especially pregnant women) and young adults. October 9, 2009 — The reported number of children younger than 18 years who have died from H1N1 influenza in 2009 since April reached 76 this week, which is close to the number of children who normally die each year in total from seasonal influenza, an official from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today, but the H1N1 virus in 2009 has yet to run its course. "It's only the beginning of October," said Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC in a press conference. "It's hard to predict what will happen next, but we're pretty sure that [the H1N1 virus] will be here going forward. Unfortunately, we do expect more illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in the weeks ahead, particularly among pregnant women and children." I have a close friend, a pediatric emergency transport nurse. She is seeing firsthand the effects on pregnant women. In the past week transported two, both mothers died, emergency c-sections saved the babies but they were seizing and obviously very badly affected by the flu as well as being born prematurely. She's been doing this for years, and hasn't seen anything like it. Some of you have asked about statistics, well the CDC has some at least in cases confirmed by them- 700 cases in pregnant women since April, 100 admitted to hospital, 28 died (up to end September), death rate 4% and expected to go higher as season progresses and virus possibly mutates.   At October 22, 2009 2:50 PM ,  Jen said... So the next question would be, is it already too late? Read an article yesterday stating the rate of dispersal for the H1N1 vaccine is not as quick as they'd hoped and that by the time they have enough vaccine to go around, most people who would be exposed, will have been, and that up to 63% of the U.S. could be affected. So while we're arguing about whether or not the vaccine is safe to get in the first place, it's not even available to get if we want it, and it may already be too late. What do we do with that information? Are there any supplements children and pregnant women can do above a general multivitamin to help boost immune system levels? Obviously the common sense rules apply, however I work at a university and some of our students without common sense have no qualms about coming into our office or to class ill. I've got my Lysol 4in1 wipes, and my daughter's daycare person is taking additional precautions as well. If this thing is truly as bad as they're hyping it up to be, we're pretty much sitting ducks at this point, but at least we can strengthen ourselves naturally.   At October 23, 2009 3:00 AM ,  Anonymous said... A pregnant woman had the swine flu shot. She then got a fevor of 39 and then developed flu like symptoms. Her baby died a few days later.... I do not understand how we can recommend a vaccine to prgenant woman that has simply not been tested... Why would you put your unborn child at risk?..   At October 23, 2009 4:19 AM ,  Anonymous said... I am going through infertility treatments, and hope to be pregnant soon. I tried to get tested to see if I already had H1N1, but I could not get tested because I did not need to be hospitalized. I also tried to get the mercury free vaccine, but was told no vaccine is yet available except to people who work in hospitals. Why all this pressure in the media to get vaccinated, when it isn't even possible?   At October 23, 2009 7:05 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob- I am planning to get vaccinated against the swine flu and my 2 year old and my husband are also. We have all has the seasonal flu shots over 1 month ago. In my area the only thing currently available is the shot with mercury. It is estimated that the mercury free shots/mist will not be available here for another 4 weeks. I am also planning to get pregnant in the next several months. Otherwise we are a very healthy family and are seldom sick and have no underlying health issues. Would you recommend getting the shots now with mercury or waiting for a month when so many people we know are currently sick with the flu and I fear we will get it too? Thanks!   At October 23, 2009 4:52 PM ,  NAJ FROM OZ said... In Australia, the Swine flu vaccine HAS NOT been approved for children. I dont know why your country thinks its good enough for kids? Also, I was the person that wrote about a pregnant woman loosing her child from the swine flu vaccine. I accidently clicked annoymous..We have been inoculatig our people for the last few weeks here in Australia.. I cannot understand how any doctor can agree to this for pregnant woman and children when this vaccine has simply NOT been tested. I really wished we could trust our doctors, but we just cant. They are simply doing what they are told and do not think critcially when it comes to vaccines.   At October 23, 2009 5:11 PM ,  KeepStriving said... NAJ-Is it the same vaccine in Australia/same manufacturer? That is very interesting that it has not been approved for kids in Australia! How was the flu season in Australia during your winter? Did it peak and then wane..is it milder less prevalent now? Did your seasonal flu take over, or was your flu season primarily h1n1? do you think h1n1 will still be around during your next winter?   At October 23, 2009 6:34 PM ,  NAJ FROM OZ said... Hi Keep Striving, The flu season is over here (YAY). Swine Flu proved to be mild in most cases. The only people that were adversley impacted were the ones who were already suffering some other illness, such as cancer etc. We had 1 woman die whilst pregnant. I dont think that is enough to inculate a whole nation with this untested vaccine... Pregnant woman are always in danger of any flu, but yet they have never recommended any other vaccine.. It is outrageous that pregnant woman are cautioned to not take any medication, not to eat certain fish because we know it will cause neurological damage to their unborn child, BUT yet, we say its ok to give this untested vaccine... My brother was diagnosed with swine flu. They did not take a swab, they simply diagnosed him from what they considered to be flu like symptoms. He ended up in the emergency ward, and the doctors told my mum that they were so frustrated with all this major hysteria, as swine flu is generally milder than the normal flu...Of course they sent him home, telling him to calm down, as he simply has the flu... No one has died from it that had no other complications.... It is horrible that people have died from it, however, even the doctors are saying that the seasonal flu kills more people..   At October 24, 2009 3:15 AM ,  Sheryl said... To NAJ FROM OZ can you please post a link to the news stories in Austrailia that tell about a pregnant woman losing her baby because of the H1N1 vaccine? Also can you post a link to the Austrailian recommendations that say children should not have the vaccine?   At October 24, 2009 3:16 AM ,  Sheryl said... When we hear that someone died of H1N1 flu complications, is it possible to know, how many people died from the treatment and not from the disease itself?   At October 24, 2009 3:25 AM ,  NAJ FROM OZ said... Hi Sheryl, There is NO way that this pregnant woman loosing her baby would make it to mainstream. I know of her through a friend of mine who knows her... Her friend told me what happened to her.. As for that link, it was all over the news a few weeks ago, I will have to look it up for you... I completely agree with your statement too on how do we know whetehr someone died from swine flu or the treatment...   At October 24, 2009 3:51 AM ,  NAJ FROM OZ said... Hi Sheryl, This article tells us that the vaccine needs further testing before we can give it children. It does recommend it for pregnant woman though.... That is madeness, because it HAS NOT BEEN tested on pregnant woman either... Very sad indeed...I cannot understand for the life of me how pregnant woman are encouraged to stay away from medications, because we know it can harm their child. We are told to stay away from certain fish because of mercury etc.. Have we all gone mad to accept this major contradiction?????? http://www.megpn.com.au/Docs/HomePage/H1N1ATSISwineFluVaccineFactSheet.pdf   At October 26, 2009 8:18 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, I have a 13 month old son. I was planning on getting him vaccinated for H1N1, but the thimerosal free vaccination is not available anywhere in my area (DC). Do you have any idea when the thimerosal free vaccines will be shipped out? Do you recommend waiting until those shots are available? Many thanks.   At October 26, 2009 4:09 PM ,  Anonymous said... are you people insane for thinking about vaccinating your children with this untested vaccine??? its is negligent of you all!!!!   At October 27, 2009 7:46 AM ,  Noel said... Amen you have to be crazy to stick your kids with this toxic junk. GOD made our bodies to fight these viruses. Use what GOD gave you your brain and your natural ability to build antibodies   At October 27, 2009 9:15 AM ,  rightkindofme said... I don't spend much time on your website, so I was surprised to read this comment string. Thank you for paying so much attention to the concerns people have. Thank you for trying to help. You have a busy life and it is very kind of you to answer random questions like this. Krissy   At October 27, 2009 10:42 AM ,  Kim said... Dr Sears, I just want to thank you for all of the research that you've done on vaccines and for putting it out there for us to best make our own decisions. Your book is amazingly easy to read and understand, given the topic. And my copy is well worn and a constant companion each time I take my 5 kids in for their well checks or shot visits. You have really helped me in making decisions that are best for my family. Thank you for that!   At October 27, 2009 7:16 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Sears QUESTION 1) I work in a mental health clinic and half our staff has recieved the nasal H1N1 in the past few days, I am 35 weeks pregnant--should I be worried about contracting the virus from the folks who got the nasal vaccine? Mom due at end of November   At October 28, 2009 7:34 AM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Sears, My 8 year old daughter had to receive the Rabies vaccine series this year in March. She also received a seasonal flu shot this past September. I am concerned about giving her the H1N1 vaccine. Should I be. Do you hve any recomendations? We will also be doing some air travel over the next 2 months. Thank you.   At October 28, 2009 11:03 AM ,  Anya said... I am wondering how much mercury is too much and what is considered "trace amounts"? I am 31 weeks pregnant and feeling pressured by my family and the media to get the H1N1 vaccine. I am considering it,but only if the vacinne has no mercury or trace amounts. The only vaccine currently available in Seattle, where I live, is the Sanofi Pasteur intranasal vaccine. My doctor confirmed that it has 25 mcg of mercury, but I am not sure if that is considered a trace amount. Any help you might provide would be extremely helpful in my research.   At October 28, 2009 11:17 AM ,  Noel said... your nuts if you put this vaccine into your unborn child. A study of Amish children 22,000 showed only 4 had autism symptoms (which almost exactly mimic mercury poisoning). Of those 4 three had vaccine shots and 1 lived by a plant that gave off mercury in it's pollution. The other 21996 never had a vaccine shot.   At October 28, 2009 12:46 PM ,  shell said... Here in Canada, and squalene is in our vaccine....I have a 14 month old, should I vaccinate him and myself?   At October 28, 2009 5:57 PM ,  Danielle said... Dr. Bob, Yesterday my 8 mo old was diagnosed w/ dairy, egg, and nut allergies. She is exclusively breast fed, w/ solids that began at 6mo old. She has never had an egg; however, prior to this discovery, she had the initial dose of the seasonal flu vaccine. The pediatric allergist still wants to give her the flu booster, but wants to do a scratch test in his office immediately before giving the vaccine. I am having a great deal of anxiety about this. Should I skip the booster all together?? The MD is also encouraging me to get her the H1N1 vaccine, again in his office w/ a scratch test. I thought babies with an egg allergy were excluded from the shots??! Please advise. I would really appreciate it. Danielle, Psy.D.   At October 28, 2009 7:50 PM ,  Jessica said... hey anonymous commenter hating on breastfeeding mothers of toddlers - I too am nursing a toddler, because it is by far the healthiest choice for my child. Some studies have even linked extended breastfeeding to having older children and adults with higher IQs....hey who knows maybe if YOU were breasted into toddler-hood you would not be such a DUMB@$$ and not have to make such idiotic comments....   At October 28, 2009 8:56 PM ,  szabo.a said... Canadians will get vaccines containing squalene, except for the nasal spray which doesn't. Canadians get the Pandremix vaccine, with the AS03 adjuvant. You can google what that is. Here are the vaccines available. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/images/dynamic/EE/V14N41/Vaccine_Tab1.jpg   At October 28, 2009 9:16 PM ,  Anonymous said... Amen, Jessica! I'm nursing a 4 year old and a 14 month old. Before kids, I would have thought that was weird, but how many of us learned the lesson "never say never" after kids came along? :) And to the anti-breastfeeder - yes, my son does lift up my shirt and undo my bra, or as he calls it, my milk cover! He's also one of the healthiest, happiest kids around - the proof is in the pudding!!! And for anyone around questioning tandem nursing, my son never once has had an issue with his sister - not even when she was born - I really believe they shared something special from day one, and are very close because of it. Sorry - this went from a swine flu vaccine blog to a breastfeeding blog! Oh well.....   At October 28, 2009 9:18 PM ,  szabo.a said... Sorry I forgot to post this before. Here is the site where I got the table from in my previous post. Dr Low sent me the link when I asked him about the kind of vaccines that will be available in Canada. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=19361   At October 29, 2009 4:39 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob, Thanks for the informative article. As a mom of a two year old with Cystic Fibrosis, I would only add that "Children younger than 2 years, pregnant women, and people with underlying conditions such as lung disease and diabetes...SHOULD NOT receive vaccines with the live attenuated virus. Instead, they should wait until inactivated injectable vaccines become available." My child's pulmonologist says that the FluMist is contagious, and we should avoid contact with those whom we know have received it for SEVEN days. If you or your child is one of these high risk catagories, I encourage you to talk with your doctor.   At October 29, 2009 4:41 PM ,  Anonymous said... Whoops! I forgot to include my sources...I quoted the New England Journal of Medicine: http://h1n1.nejm.org/?p=890 See also the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm And the LAIV Fact Sheet: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flulive.pdf   At October 29, 2009 8:14 PM ,  Anonymous said... Dr. Bob....are you still there?   At October 29, 2009 8:19 PM ,  Preggo mama said... Anya: Congrats on your pregnancy! Pregnant women should NOT get the intranasal/mist vaccine because it is a "live" vaccine. Try to find the preservative free injection. Good luck.   At October 30, 2009 10:55 AM ,  Anonymous said... My dr. has written for H1N1 antibody test, but I can't find anyone who is doing them. Why aren't they offering this service? I had a bad, high fever flu between Christmas and New Year last year. If I've already had swine flu then I don't want to subject myself to the vaccine. This is the hardest decision I've had to make since becoming pregnant.   At October 30, 2009 1:35 PM ,  Christina said... Dr. Bob, should I be concerned? My 6month old received the h1n1 vaccination last Saturday 10/24. We were some of the first in line. They intended to give her a shot from the multi-dose vial and I objected. I had called the day before and confirmed they would have single dose vial shots available for babies 6mo+. She received a shot from a single dose vial. However, after they gave me the vaccination card, it was manufac by Novartis - which isn't approved for babies 6mo!!! No adverse reactions, but seriously. I've since read the FDA package inserts for Novartis, but should I be concerned? It seems that trials were done for her age group, but it isn't approved for her age group. Should I presume they gave her a full dose or 1/2 dose? Would she still need a second vaccination? I tried to make sure she was getting what was appropriate for her group and feel this is seriously irresponsible of the nurse and health department that gave her the vaccination.   At October 30, 2009 5:21 PM ,  Milwaukee Mom said... IS SANOFI'S THIMERASOL-FREE INJECTED VACCINE ACTUALLY AVAILABLE ANYWHERE? Dr. Sears, My son is 16 months old. Our pediatrician, whose office ONLY gives thimerasol-free seasonal flu shots (so they do understand the thimerasol concern), has told us that they only have the Sanofi multi-dose vials for children under 2 because that is what the state has sent them AND they do not think that they will receive ANY thimerasol-free single dose vials/pre-filled syringes at any time in the coming months because so little has been produced in the race to get the vaccine out. What can you tell us about the production numbers/availability of the Sanofi thimerasol-free shots for children under the age of 2 who can't get the nasal form?? WILL THERE BE ANY MEANINGFUL QUANTITY OF THIMERASOL-FREE VACCINES AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.? THANK YOU!   At October 31, 2009 9:31 AM ,  Kim from San Diego said... To all pregnant women considering this vacccine: I feel your pain as I have been going back and forth for weeks now. Yesterday I finally decided to get the vaccine (no thimerisol, not live). Keep in mind that I have never had a flu shot in my life and am someone who has carefully chosen which vaccines my son (now 3) will receive. I will do the same for baby #2 (due Christmas eve). I breastfed my son until he was 2 and will have a homebirth for my second...In short I consider myself a natural mama. It was only after much research and after talking to everyone I know about this issue that I decided to get it. I've heard too many first-hand stories of perfectly healthy people who've gotten swine flu and were horribly sick for 10 days or more, ended up in the hospital, or worse. My doctor lost 2 patients: one was a healthy 28 year-old whose baby was born premature and the mom died of complications. I can't say that's what made my decision...I think it was a combination of factors: knowing that the vaccine was not that "new" after all; that it was free of mercury and not-live; that I react well to vaccines or meds I've taken in the past; that I wanted some peace of mind for the remainder of my pregnancy. Can i say I'm 100% comfortable with my decision? No, definitely not...but I do feel it was the right thing to do for me. I wish you all the best in making this decision - it is not easy, especially with all the media hype and stories. Take care and have a healthy pregnancy!   At November 2, 2009 7:29 AM ,  MommyFromCanada said... Dr. Sears: The H1N1 vaccine we have in Canada in made by GKS. It has 5 micrograms of mercury and it is the adjuvant form with Squaline that is given to infants. What is your take on the amounts of these ingredients on my seven month old son should I vaccinate him?   At November 2, 2009 9:59 AM ,  ep said... Dr.Sears---thank you so much for all of your time in helping us mommys! thank you! My 14 month---will have gotten FIVE flu vaccines this year, if we get the swine flu. What do you think? We got her first when she was 6 months in February, second in March, and third in September--all seasonal flu. Now if we get swine, that will be two more doses...what is your recc. I am at least waiting for the preservative free...but should we get it at all? Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU!   At November 2, 2009 10:44 AM ,  Noel said... You have got to kidding you want to give a14 month old 5 flu shots. I pray your child does not develop autism or some other health issue due to this abuse of poisenous vaccines   At November 2, 2009 11:52 AM ,  Jen said... Noel: I understand that you are passionate about not vaccinating, however, can you cite some sources that we can review so that we have more information and can make a better decision?   At November 3, 2009 1:42 PM ,  ep said... noel---are you a md? pediatric reccomedations are a flu shot when a child is 6 months...two doses and then again in the next flu season i would love to know your credentials...... and no, none of my children have autism....they are all perfectly healthy and extremely bright. it is people like you who confuse the issue,and then parents put their children at risk. i was asking dr. sears, not you. the swine flu has killed more children than the regular flu already, and it is NOT even flu "season" yet. it is something we need to take very seriously, my older children have received the mist and i feel very good about them being protected safely.   At November 3, 2009 2:21 PM ,  Noel said... If anyone tells you you have swine flu without the proper testing which takes more time than you'll be sick they are lying. Yes they can tell you have the flu but not what strain without a lengthy lab work. The CDC is spreading lies they don't who has swine and who just has regular flu. Do you really believe the nbers they spew they are exagerated. Look for yhe cover up they did on the 1993 pandemic. There is a lot more lies going around than truths and not doing your homework and blindly trusting big pharmacy and government is why we have autism and vaccines that now contain squalene, nanoparticles, thimerisol, anti freeze and formaldihyde to name only a few. Eat right avoid sugar and get vitamin D as well as exercise. Who is in control of our children us as parents or the fear mongering money makers.   At November 3, 2009 6:47 PM ,  lisa from canada said... Dr. Sears, Thanks so much for this valuable info ... it is so hard in this crazy time of mass panic to find balanced info. As far as I can see from your site, none of these vaccines are manufactured by Glaxo Smith Kline, which is the manufacturer here in Canada ... Any ideas if the vaccine we are getting here is similar to the ones you have sited? I am (of course) most concerned with is the info in the inserts that refers to insufficient testing. thanks!!!!!   At November 3, 2009 11:54 PM ,  Carolyn said... Jen, Please check out this interview with Barb Loe Fisher, Founder of the National Vaccine Information Center. I hope this helps you in your decisions about the Swine Flu Vaccine. God Bless!! http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/21/Special-Swine-Flu-Update.aspx   At November 4, 2009 1:03 PM ,  Anonymous said... i have a 9 year old in school and a 4.5 week old baby. the school is offering the nasal vaccine. since it is the live virus is it safe for her to get the vaccine and then be around the baby?   At November 4, 2009 5:45 PM ,  Anonymous said... My pediatrican is out of the seasonal flu vaccine and wants to give my 4 year old a double dose of the infant vaccine is this safe?   At November 4, 2009 7:02 PM ,  KeepStriving said... Today, I found out a friend of mine has 3 sick kids with fever and cough-It went right to the lungs. And they were all vaccinated for the swine flu about 2 weeks ago. I heard that the vaccine only has about a 60% success rate with young children...Is that true???   At November 4, 2009 7:45 PM ,  Anonymous said... My husband was in the hospital end of Sept. His doc sent him because he had every symptom of flu, (his temp was up to 104) to be tested for H1N1 because we have a just turned 3 year old and a just turned 1 year old. They did not do the test because he wasnt the right demagraphic!!! No regard for the safty of our babies. Did he have reg. flu? We don't know. Very afraid to not vaccinate, maybe more afraid to vaccinate. Difficult decision. I am tandem nursing, which I know will help whatever we decide.   At November 4, 2009 7:45 PM ,  Anonymous said... My husband was in the hospital end of Sept. His doc sent him because he had every symptom of flu, (his temp was up to 104) to be tested for H1N1 because we have a just turned 3 year old and a just turned 1 year old. They did not do the test because he wasnt the right demagraphic!!! No regard for the safty of our babies. Did he have reg. flu? We don't know. Very afraid to not vaccinate, maybe more afraid to vaccinate. Difficult decision. I am tandem nursing, which I know will help whatever we decide.   At November 4, 2009 11:24 PM ,  Anonymous said... Here is your research. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx   At November 5, 2009 12:19 PM ,  Katrina A. said... Dr Bob, I was wondering if you could shed some light on some of the ingredients in the vaccines. I notice they list antibiotics. What are they and what family are they in? Penicillin can kill me and I'm highly allergic to sulfer for a start which are the most common antibiotics. Could I have allergy issues with the vaccine? My kids also have allergies similar to me. I honestly am further leaning to not getting the vaccines but I'm still looking into it just in case I change my mind. Thank you.   At November 6, 2009 2:40 PM ,  Anonymous said... I am a 28 year old father of a 30 month old and a 6 month old. I get my vaccine tomorrow. Here is what I figure (I am only writing this to share my thoughts, maybe it will help someone) There are four outcomes for me as a father (working in higher Ed.) 1 I get the vaccine and my family is fine, GREAT! 2. I get the vaccine and I unknowingly stopped my family from getting it! GREAT! 3. I don't get the vaccine, and my family doesn’t get sick, GREAT! 4. I don't get the vaccine and my kids do get sick, CRAP! So they way I see it for parents getting the H1N1 vaccine…why not, the only bad thing would be not to get it (out of the 4). Also my wife and I are very vaccine conscious and are just finishing our 6 month old on her 2 month vaccine (and we left out some). But lets be honest with all the other crap we put ino our bodies (McD's, processed deli meats, hormones in dairy products, second hand smoke, for some to much alchohol, cell phones next to our bodies)isn't it worth the risk to myself to possibly provent my kids getting sick. Noel: that’s a lot of fluff your saying, didn't God/god also give us intelligence to learn and create ways to improve society. Is all improvement wrong or just vaccines? Are you even a parent? Most of the bloggers are concerned parents so if you don't have any hard evidence or good thoughts you can stop writing.   At November 6, 2009 4:21 PM ,  Noel said... Saying the only bad is you or your kids get it is the least of the worries. We as humans have allowed to many to run our lives. The current housing crisis is a perfect example why buy a variable rate mortgage at 4% it has mo where to go but up. If you sit back and let fast food and big pharmacy as well as your government go unchecked they will feed you and sell you what ever to make a buck. The Chinese used chemical protien to boost animal food and look what happened. The bigger outrage should be that these are manmade viruses put upon us and that the CDC and the media spread lies that most eat up. Do your own research it's all there on the Internet. Talk to gulf war veterans that where poisened. Find out about the coverup of the 1993 pandemic, find out why we hear nothing about the sailors that where jabbed at sea with this vaccine only to have 344 of 347 have side effects wig two firing from it and most on board getting the swine flu from it. Why are those tha get glumist allowed to walk among us for the 21 days they are contagious. THINK   At November 8, 2009 1:35 AM ,  Anonymous said... Noel: PLEASE GO AWAY.   At November 9, 2009 12:36 PM ,  BostonMom said... Regarding squalene/adjuvents - which is it? Do the US approved H1N1 vaccines include this or not? There's a lot of debate about it on this comment board and it's getting confusing. Thanks.   At November 9, 2009 12:39 PM ,  BostonMom said... Dr. Roby Mitchell - where did you get your information? can you send a link or a source? Thanks.   At November 9, 2009 1:36 PM ,  kh said... @ BostonMom: NO, there are NO adjuvents in the US vaccines.   At November 12, 2009 3:17 PM ,  Anonymous said... Jaime, thanks for your heartfelt comments regarding nursing. I never dreamed I'd be nursing my son at 2 and half, but I know exactly what you're saying when you say your son isn't ready to be weaned and as a mother you know what he needs. Dr. Bob, thanks for taking the time to give all of us parents much needed info.   Post a Comment << Home   The 12 Childhood Vaccines Vaccine-preventable Diseases Boost Your Child's Immune System FAQs Parents Who Choose not to Vaccinate Current Outbreaks and Epidemics Vaccine Discussion Forum Read Dr. Bob's Online Interviews Updates & Corrections to The Vaccine Book Find a vaccine-friendly doctor near you Alternative Vaccine Schedule American Academy of Pediatrics 2007 Vaccine Schedule Vaccine News Vaccines and Autism Vaccines and their diseases

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