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How Safe is Gardasil : The HPV ?Hot Shot??

Thu, 14 Nov 2008 11:41:17 GMT

posted by BasilAndSpice

Shobha S. Krishnan, M.D., is a Staff Physician at Columbia University's Barnard College Health Services. A board certified gynecologist and family practice physician, she has also worked as a surveillance physician for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior to joining Barnard, she was in private practice for 10 years. In addition, Dr. Krishnan has worked as a physician at the Institute on Aging and as Chief Resident in the Family Practice Department at St.Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. Her new book, The HPV Vaccine Controversy: Sex, Cancer, God and Politics- A Guide for Parents, Women, Men and Teenagers (Greenwood Publications, Aug '08), presents the most up to date information about the vaccine without the influence of pharmaceutical companies or other interest groups.

Shobha Krishnan--

When it comes to the health of their children, parents have one simple desire: to protect them from as many diseases as possible. So when a vaccine with irrefutable benefits is introduced into the market, most of us welcome it with open arms. Our enthusiasm can sometimes be dampened, however, by the flurry of negative stories that often follow, leading to feelings of fear, doubt and apprehension.

Such is the case with Gardasil, the vaccine against the most common sexually transmitted virus — the human papilloma virus (HPV). The vaccine prevents against the majority of cervical cancers and several other HPV related diseases. As it is preventive in nature, it is recommended for routine immunization of girls between the ages of 11-12 years (before sexual debut) and catch –up through age 26 years.

In spite of its attractive benefits, the vaccine has been mired in controversies that have received extensive coverage in the media, including those that pit scientific merits against moral values. Our main focus here will be on the more quantifiable scientific reports on the safety profile of the vaccine.

For those parents who are concerned about the “newness” of the vaccine, recent news from the CDC on October 22, 2008 offers much needed solace. Reports presented by four different sources to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of experts that advises the CDC on vaccine policies, found that there were no signals to link Gardasil to any of the serious adverse effects that lately have been publicized in the media. Additionally, no link was found between the vaccine and birth defects, miscarriages, or fetal and infant deaths.

If this is true, then why are there so many stories that continue to allude to its dangers? Shouldn’t everyone be in unison to embrace this vaccine? The reason these doubts continue to plague us is because although not all the stories on the vaccine’s adverse effects are entirely true, they aren’t entirely false, either. So how can consumers differentiate between the two so as to make the best-informed decision before vaccinating? In order to do that, it is helpful to understand the difference between a side effect (caused directly from the vaccine) and an adverse effect (may or may not be related to the vaccine). In other words, an adverse effect can be a sheer coincidence and have the same statistical occurrence as the population at large that has not been vaccinated. Now, let’s look at what some of the side effects and adverse effects of the vaccine are.

Side Effects of the Vaccine: The two most common side effects reported are pain at the site of injection (nearly 80%), followed by swelling and redness (around 25%). These are temporary symptoms and resolve within a few days in most cases.

Adverse effects of the vaccine:

Fainting spells: Merck, the manufacturer of Gardasil, has received some reports of fainting with the vaccine. However, a careful study by the CDC noted that the incidence of fainting was no more than the normal occurrence among teens in this age group under normal circumstances; the CDC reports that 50% of teens have at least one fainting episode between the ages of 10-18. From a health care provider’s standpoint, it is not the occasional episode of fainting that is worrisome, but the resulting fall with subsequent head injury that is of concern. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that Gardasil recipients sit upright for at least 15 minutes before leaving their doctor’s office.

Allergic reactions: Recent reports have emerged from Australia stating that the HPV vaccine caused severe allergic reactions in some of those who were vaccinated. However, no such severe reaction has been observed in the U.S. The only contraindication to the vaccine is that it should not be administered to anyone who is allergic to any of its components or to yeast, because the vaccine is manufactured from it.

Damage to the nervous system: Guillain Barre’ (GBS) is a disorder of the nervous system that manifests itself with muscular weakness. Almost all cases recover without any residual effects. According to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Effects reporting System — a branch of the CDC) there have been 31 cases of Guillain Barre’ reported with Gardasil. Out of the 31, only 10 met the criteria of GBS. However, taking a closer look at the statistics, between 2.5 million and 8 million doses of Gardasil have been administered so far, and the number of GBS cases that occurred after the administration of the vaccine is far less than the 1-2 /100,000 cases that occur in the general population by chance alone. Despite this, two cases deserve special mention. Jenny Tetlock, a 13-year-old, became paralyzed one month after receiving Gardasil, and 22-year-old and Whitney Baird died 13 months after getting the vaccine (by definition, an illness must occur within six weeks of vaccination to be considered vaccine-related.) Both cases have been very carefully reviewed by doctors and scientists at the CDC, and they have not found the vaccine to be the direct cause for either of these unfortunate events. Jenny’s father, a scientist, believes that a genetic mutation in Jenny might have contributed to the unusual way in which Jenny’s body reacted to the vaccine, rather than a direct result from the vaccine itself. Currently, research is underway to see if genetics and environmental factors have a role to play in such rare and serious events caused by vaccines in general.

In clinical trials, the completion of a phase III trial is the gold standard for approval for a drug or a vaccine. Gardasil was approved by the FDA 18 months into the phase III trials based upon the impressive results of protection it offered to the large number of people who were involved in the clinical trials. The vaccine has also established a decent track record at two years post-licensure, and the side effects from it have been mild and statistically rare. Based upon these current findings, the FDA strongly recommends vaccinating the target population: 9-26 year-old females. The CDC will continue to be vigilant and monitor safety data on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, it’s helpful to remind ourselves that regardless of how well studies are conducted, gray zones of risk exist. The history of medicine has shown us that rare and unexpected events are more a rule than an exception with vaccines. In the case of the HPV vaccine, it would be a shame if negative attention created by a few rare effects hampered the efforts to reach millions of women who risk losing their lives to cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases both in our country and around the world.

The HPV Vaccine And Sexual Promiscuity

Over 99% of Cervical Cancer Caused By HPV

Employee Health and Wellness Programs: company Flu Shots

Sun, 17 Nov 2008 11:40:37 GMT

posted by jbisonaroll

Flu Shot Facts & Myths

Myth: The flu isn’t a serious disease.

Fact: Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 200,000 individuals in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 individuals die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

Myth: The flu shot can cause the flu.

Fact: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some individuals get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

Myth: The flu shot does not work.

Fact: Most of the time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70 percent to 90 percent when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection against this disease.

Myth: The side effects are worse than the flu.

Fact: The worst side effect you’re likely to get from a flu shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

Myth: Only older individuals need a flu vaccine.

Fact: Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease need to get a flu shot. Doctors also recommend children 6 months and older get a flu shot every year until their 5th birthday.

Myth: You must get the flu vaccine before December.

Fact: Flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November. But you can get vaccinated in December or later.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can also get more information about flu vaccinations by visiting the following Website: www.cdc.gov/flu

Source: The Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

Allergic Reactions to Vaccines Dogs and Cats

Mon, 18 Nov 2008 02:32:52 GMT

posted by thespiritdog

Allergic Reactions to Vaccines Dogs and Cats

Although we have never had an animal have an adverse vaccine reaction, it is possible. And we are talking about close to a thousand dogs, all breeds, makes and sizes that I have cared for over the years.

Please read the following if you have questions, or ask your veterinarian.

Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine …

sible VAAEs (nonspecific vaccine reaction, allergic …… AVMA. Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents’ report on cat and dog. vaccines. …
avmajournals.avma.org/doi/pdf/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1102

Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks

a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction within several minutes to an hour after vaccination - a kind of tumor called a sarcoma …
www.avma.org/vafstf/rbbroch.asp

Vaccinations, What you should know about

AVMA Member area = AVMA/SAVMA Members Only … Allergic reactions appear within minutes or hours of a vaccination and may include repeated vomiting or …
www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/vaccination/vaccination_brochure.asp

THE SPIRIT DOG

Posted in Puppies, your dogs safety Tagged: ADVERSE ALLERGIC VACCINE REACTION PETS, ANIMAL VACCINES, CAT VACCINES, cats, dog cat vaccinations, DOG VACCINES, Dogs, PETS, VETERINARY MEDICIN

Vaccine Safety Manual for Concerned Families and Health Practitioners: Guide to Immunization Risks and Protection

Wed, 6 Nov 2008 20:23:42 GMT

posted by isnaini

The Vaccine Safety Manual is the world’s most complete guide to immunization risks and protection. It includes pertinent information on every major vaccine: polio, tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A, B, HPV (cervical cancer), Hib, Flu, chickenpox, shingles, rotavirus, pneumococcal, meningococcal, RSV, DTaP, anthrax, smallpox, TB, and more. All of the information, including detailed vaccine safety and efficacy efficacyThe Vaccine Safety Manual is the world’s most complete guide to immunization risks and protection. It includes pertinent information on every major vaccine: polio, tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A, B, HPV (cervical cancer), Hib, Flu, chickenpox, shingles, rotavirus, pneumococcal, meningococcal, RSV, DTaP, anthrax, smallpox, TB, and more. All of the information, including detailed vaccine safety and efficacy data, is written in an easy-to-understand format, yet includes more than 1,000 scientific citations. More than 90 charts, graphs and illustrations supplement the text. This encyclopedic health manual is an important addition to every family’s home library and will be referred to again and again.
View product details on Amazon.Com

Flu Season - Time For The Flu Shot

Wed, 30 Oct 2008 16:29:19 GMT

posted by belaray

The Flu Vaccine is the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

There are two types of vaccines:

The “flu shot”— an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

When to Get Vaccinated

Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

Vaccine Effectiveness

The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu shot and the nasal-spray vaccine are effective at preventing the flu.

Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.

The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are

Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
Fever (low grade)
Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As of July 1, 2005, people who think that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

LAIV (FluMist®): The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)

In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include

runny nose
wheezing
headache
vomiting
muscle aches
fever

In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include

runny nose
headache
sore throat
cough