Rise in sleep illness cases linked to swine-flu jab

Eight people now suffering from narcolepsy after getting vaccine

Vaccines may have increased swine flu risk

By Annie Guest  www.abc.net.au

There is renewed controversy surrounding influenza vaccines, with some studies showing people immunised against the seasonal flu might have been at greater risk during the swine flu outbreak.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon has called for a review of Australia’s flu vaccine policy in light of the new research, but the Federal Government has defended its vaccination program.

Immunisation can be a sensitive issue, particularly when it comes to adverse effects in children.

Professor Collignon from the Australian National University (ANU) says the new research will only heighten sensitivities.

“What was a bit surprising when we looked at some of the data from Canada and Hong Kong in the last year is that people who have been vaccinated in 2008 with the seasonal or ordinary vaccine seemed to have twice the risk of getting swine flu compared to the people who hadn’t received that vaccine,” he said.

ANU microbiologists say it is the opposite of what vaccines should do.

Professor Collignon says the findings of the study also highlight the benefits for healthy people who are exposed to some illnesses.

“Some interesting data has become available which suggests that if you get immunised with the seasonal vaccine, you get less broad protection than if you get a natural infection,” he said.

“It is particularly relevant for children because it is a condition they call original antigenic sin, which basically means if you get infected with a natural virus, that gives you not only protection against that virus but similar viruses or even in fact quite different flu viruses in the next year.

“We may be perversely setting ourselves up that if something really new and nasty comes along, that people who have been vaccinated may in fact be more susceptible compared to getting this natural infection.”

The Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) targets those most likely to have a poor outcome from flu, with the seasonal flu vaccine recommended for anyone over six months old.

Professor Collignon says that in light of the study, the Australian Government and health policy makers need to look at whether vaccines actually do more harm than good, particularly in people who otherwise have not ….more here >>>

Finland’s chief medical officer admits she would not recommend swine flu jab to young people again because of damage they cause

Finland, YLE (Public broadcasting corporation):

http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2011/01/health_official_swine_flu_vaccinations_for_children_possibly_a_mistake_2326931.html?origin=rss

Health Official: Swine Flu Vaccinations for Children Possibly a Mistake

Dangerous Flu Vaccine - Just Say No

The Chief Medical Officer of Finland’s National Public Health Institute has conceded that children and young people should possibly not have been vaccinated against swine flu. Dr Terhi Kilpi told the Väli-Suomi newspaper group’s Sunday newspaper supplement that the vaccine perhaps should not have been given to 5-20 year-olds.

Kilpi said that she would no longer recommend the vaccination for this age group. She added that if she had known of the potential consequences, she would have not inoculated 5-20 year-olds.

“A year ago, the current understanding was that the swine flu was a danger specifically for the young. At that time there was not yet any reason to suspect serious side effects to the vaccine,” said Kilpi.

The vaccine is now suspected to be linked to an increase in the number of cases of narcolepsy affecting children and young people in Finland, Sweden and Iceland. In Finland, 54 children have been diagnosed with narcolepsy.

Even though it is under suspicion, the vaccine has been reintroduced in the UK where a new swine flu epidemic has caused the deaths of some 200 people.

Dr Kilpi added that the negative publicity surrounding the swine flu vaccine is not worrying.

“Most people understand that vaccinations prevent serious, fatal diseases. The benefits they provide outweigh the disadvantages many times over.”

Finland’s National Public Health Institute is to publish an interim report on the links between narcolepsy, the swine flu, and the vaccine this coming Tuesday.

YLE