Health experts are warning about the serious long term effects of a vaccine expected to become available within the next few months that would combat Swine Flu, a virus associated with more than 430 deaths this year.
Doses of the vaccine could contain two controversial compounds: thimerosal and squalene, said Peter McCarthy, chair of the Texas Health Freedom Coalition, a natural health lobbyist organization.
A growing number of scientists and researchers believe that a relationship between the increase in cases of autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and speech or language delay and the increased use of mercury-containing thimerosal in vaccines is plausible and deserves more scrutiny, according to the National Autism Association.
According to the association, the U.S. Department of Education data from 1992-1993 in comparison to 2000-2001 indicates that there has been an a 644 percent increase in autism cases among all U.S. children.
McCarthy said thimerosal has been included in the H1N1 vaccine despite protests by public health officials.
“It’s the same path that’s been trod multiple times before,” McCarthy said. “Why are we including a compound that includes mercury?”
But the risks associated with Swine Flu far surpass those associated with the vaccine, making the vaccination a necessity, said Dr. Pat Crocker, emergency medicine chief at Dell Children’s Hospital.
“All in all, even if the severity of the illness doesn’t get any worse than it is now, and it’s still a relatively mild illness, you’re still better off getting the vaccine than not,” Crocker said. “Even when you consider the side effects, you’re several times safer getting the vaccine, particular if you’re 24 years and younger.”
McCarthy said squalene, another compound included in the vaccine, contains aluminum.
Overexposure to squalene, which already exists in the human body, could potentially lead to autoimmune disorders, said Matt Baral, an associate professor at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
“The concern about that is, it’s a natural substance, however if it’s being injected, there are concerns that it could potentially stimulate our bodies’ reaction against the squalene in our bodies,” Baral said.
Though there have not been tests done to determine long term effects, he said autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, lupis and diabetes, could develop from the reaction to squalene.
Crocker acknowledged the lack of research, but said he still feels confident in the safety of the vaccine.
“It is in a rushed development and testing phase, but all in all, it will likely be a safe vaccine,” he said.
While most of the controversy surrounding vaccinations has focused on administering them to young children, McCarthy said the mercury and aluminum found in the vaccines can have adverse effects regardless of age.
“Heavy metal is heavy metal and it’s going to have some kind of negative effect no matter what your age is,” he said. “It’s a matter of how much you’re exposed to and for how long and it’s something people should keep in mind when they are making an informed decision.”
31 comments
There is national program that funds any adverse affects from vaccinations?Only in America would the companies making these poisons be not held liable for damage and not bother spending any money to determine causes. In today's world, why can't we find the causes of anything? we only find 'cures' and 'masks' that send us into remission. How about finding out the cause? this will never happen. why? because the finger will point right back to the source.i find it utterly amazing that science can find out hot to fix things after they are 'broken'. Haven't we ever been told to prevent it in the first place? if we prevented it - many companies wouldn't reap billions in profits - couldn't have that.
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