H1N1 facts, Vaccine Facts

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE H1N1 VACCINE

This was sent from a Naturopath to her patients.

This week has started with a flood of emails and phone calls with questions regarding the H1N1 vaccine, so I have decided to address it with a newsletter. I will not make your decision about whether or not to get the shot, but instead attempt to provide some clear information so that you can make an informed decision.

Facts about the H1N1 flu:

* The estimated worldwide incidence of the H1N1 influenza is at 526,735 cases as of today. The reported number of deaths is 6,873.
* In Canada there have been 12,038 verified cases, and 91 reported deaths due to the H1N1 virus.
* These numbers may not be accurate, as currently (since June 2009), most people with flu-like symptoms are not tested for the H1N1 virus, and continue to recover at home.
* In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter flu season is now over. In spite of dire predictions, only 185 people died from the H1N1 virus in Australia - considerably fewer than the roughly 3,000 who die from the seasonal influenza each year. These numbers also reflect a completely unvaccinated population.
* The World Health Organization claims that 30-50% of people infected with influenza have mild or no symptoms at all.
* The incidence of this strain of influenza appears to be higher in younger adults than the seasonal flu.
* Pregnant women are not at increased risk of catching the H1N1 virus, but they are at higher risk of severe illness if contracted.
* People with underlying health issues, such as asthma and diabetes appear to have a higher risk of complications due to the H1N1 virus.

Facts about the H1N1 vaccine:

* Canada has chosen the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine "AREPANRIX" which has two components, the antigen and an adjuvant. The adjuvant portion is added to reduce the amount of vaccine needed per dose. This is why the vaccine has become available so quickly. Pregnant women will receive a different version of the vaccine without the adjuvant.
* The vaccine has not been put through extensive studies, and has not been tested on several age-groups at all. The vaccine has not been tested on children under 3 years, children 10-17 years old, or on pregnant women.
* It contains several know toxic ingredients: thimerosal (mercury) and formaldehyde in the antigen component, and squalene and polysorbate 80 in the adjuvant. There is concern around the safety of thimerosal in children related to brain development. Squalene has been questioned in possibly inducing autoimmune disease such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disease. Polysorbate 80 has been called a 'hidden inductor' of anaphylactoid reactions. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. These are all in very small amounts in the vaccine, but they are present.
* Studies show that even the best unadjuvanted flu vaccines only protect six out of 10 people who get the shot. Experts believe an adjuvanted flu vaccine could boost protection rates to as high as nine in 10.
* Vaccine side-effects (noted from the day of vaccination and for 6 more days only):


Day 0 to Day 6 Adverse Events
Adverse reaction

H1N1 vaccine with adjuvant - single dose

H1N1 unadjuvanted vaccine - single dose

Pain
89.9% 59.1%
Redness
31.7% 4.5%
Swelling
30.2% 1.5%
Fatigue
15.9% 10.6%
Headache
14.3% 7.6%
Arthralgia (joint pain)
14.3% 3.0%
Myalgia (muscle pain)
15.9% 4.5%
Shivering
3.2% 4.5%
Sweating
6.3% 4.5%
Fever
0.0% 0.0%

Analysis:

* Overall, if you choose to vaccinate, the non-adjuvant version of the vaccine appears to have less toxicity and fewer adverse reactions, but may be less effective. This is the one that is ordered for pregnant women, but may not be available to other individuals.
* At the present time, I would recommend weighing your personal risks and benefits for vaccination. Some people have a very low risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu, as well as less chance of complications, while others are at higher risk.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I would recommend that no matter what choice you make regarding the vaccine, that you book an appointment (in person or a phone consult) with your doctor or naturopath to discuss preventative and proactive strategies:

* If you are not getting the H1N1 vaccine, they will discuss ways of boosting your immune system, strategies for flu prevention, and what to do at first signs of illness if you do get sick.
* If you are getting the vaccine, they will discuss a protocol to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction to the shot, and recommendations to lower your chance of an autoimmune reaction from the vaccine.

References:

1. Health Canada: Product Information Leaflet Arepanrix™ H1N1 AS03-Adjuvanted H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/legislation/interimorders-arretesurgence/prodinfo-vaccin-eng.php).
2. Swine Flu Count: http://www.flucount.org/.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada: Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 Flu Virus (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/faq_rg_h1n1-eng.php#vac).