Ralph K. Campbell, M.D.

August 21, 2009

The Montanan (Montana, USA) who died of H1N1 flu "also suffered other underlying medical conditions" (Missoulian, Aug. 7). The Montana state medical officer says, "Tragically, influenza viruses cause about 36,000 deaths each year, about 100 in Montana." It amazes me how the "about 36,000" figure turns up, year after year, either after a good match of virus strains with the current vaccine, or not. After the "pandemic" hysteria began, the predicted toll was 35,000. Soon, after a death of someone who tested positive for what was then called swine flu, the figure jumped to 36,000 and has held steady.Nonsense - people don't die from influenza. (Possibly, they could if a strain were to directly infect lung tissue.)

Randolph M. Howes, MD, PhD [medical doctor], plastic surgeon

August 22, 2009

Fear of vaccinations has progressively increased over the years, due in part, to the current epidemic of autism and the government requirement that pre-schoolers must now receive dozens of shots. Public officials try to downplay any risks and reassure parents that all vaccinations are safe. Unfortunately, the World Health Organization has issued a warning that the paralyzing disease, polio, may spread beyond Africa. Most shocking is the fact that it is being spread by a mutant of the vaccine itself.

Joseph Mercola, DO [medical doctor]

(U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius has not only given immunity to the makers of Tamiflu and Relenza for injuries stemming from their use against swine flu, she has granted immunity to future swine flu vaccines and "any associated adjuvants". The last time the government embarked on a major vaccine campaign against a new swine flu, thousands filed claims contending they suffered side effects from the shots. This time around, they will have no recourse. The 2006 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (the PREP Act) allows the DHHS Secretary to invoke almost complete immunity from liability for manufacturers of vaccines and drugs used to combat a declared public health emergency. The PREP Act removes the right to a trial jury unless a plaintiff can provide clear evidence of willful misconduct that resulted in death or serious physical injury -- and gets permission to sue from the DHHS Secretary.

Sherri Tenpenny, DO

It's interesting how a discussion about vaccination can quickly become heated and sometimes even hostile. Would the same debate rage over an antibiotic or an antihypertensive medicine if there was evidence the drug was causing harm? When it becomes obvious that thousands have been injured by a drug such as Vioxx, it is removed from the market. We stop the use of drugs until they are proven safe. And we sue.