Global, Mandatory Vaccines for School Children; Government Okays Untested Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Government Okays Untested Vaccine for Pregnant Women

August 27, 2010

Dr. Bob Sears - I usually don't get all worked up over vaccine issues. I calmly promote the idea of alternative vaccine schedules and I like to help parents make educated decisions.

But when I see the government try to do something really stupid, I get mad. And right now I am really angry. The last time I got mad was when the government decided it was OK to give pregnant women mercury-containing H1N1 flu vaccines.

A pharmaceutical rep just came into my office and handed me a letter stating that the California Department of Public Health has advised all Californian women of childbearing age get the Tdap vaccine. They state "preferably before pregnancy, but otherwise during or after pregnancy."

Now I can understand and applaud their zeal in wanting to combat the pertussis epidemic. Pertussis is dangerous for young infants. Usually about 20 infants die each year from pertussis, and this year we are headed for about 30 or 40. Making sure new moms and dads have some pertussis protection makes sense.

On the other hand, the Tdap (or ANY pertussis vaccine for that matter) has NEVER been tested for safety during pregnancy. The vaccine product insert, as well as the letter I got from the pharmaceutical company, states very clearly that the vaccine is not indicated for pregnant women and has never been tested.

So what right does the California Department of Public Health have to allow the use of an untested vaccine in pregnant women? I suppose they have every right. But it just doesn't feel right to me. New moms can get the vaccine right after their baby is born. Dads can get it during the pregnancy to get a head start. If the vaccine works so well, that should be good enough. Women don't need to get it during pregnancy.

At least there's no mercury in the Tdap vaccine! But still, we have absolutely NO indication that this vaccine is safe during pregnancy. Parents beware.

Global vaccine for children gets green light

August 25, 2010

theday.com - The World Health Organization has granted "prequalification" to Prevenar 13, a vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. to immunize children against invasive disease, pneumonia and ear infections.

The step allows for the procurement of the vaccine globally by United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Children's Fund, governments and other organizations.

In May, the World Health Assembly called on WHO to implement interventions that include widespread vaccination against pneumococcal bacterium. In March, Pfizer agreed to a 10-year supply of Prevenar 13 in the world's poorest countries. To participate in the program, vaccines must receive be prequalified by WHO.

Parents Warned: No Vaccine Could Mean No School

August 25, 2010

Associated Press - Health officials are urging parents to get their children caught up on vaccines before students head back to school this year as the whooping cough epidemic approaches its peak in California.

State health officials say more than 3,000 cases of the illness have been confirmed as of Aug. 17 in California, a 7-fold increase from the number of cases reported in the same period last year.

This year, seven babies have died of whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

State department of public health spokesman Ken August says children who aren't vaccinated may be required to stay home under the authority of county health departments, in the event of an outbreak.