http://www.dallasnw.quik.com/cyberella/Anthrax/FtDet_meet.html

 

Important update on the serious state of health for many at Dover AFB

DoD knows their shots aren't safe

(Link to Col. Engler's presentation and the meeting agenda)

Subject: [Anthrax-no] Critical DOD meeting on anthrax vaccine reactions: 

Yes, GWS-like illnesses are occurring post-vaccination

Date:  Fri, 28 May 1999 23:34:19 -0400

From:  Meryl Nass 

A critically important informational meeting was held May 25-27, 1999 at

Fort Detrick, MD for 100 military physicians.

Although the meeting began with claims of 100% safety of the vaccine by

Major Strawder of the AVIP, his reassurances to the crowd were quickly

challenged.  

The DOD has studied vaccine reactions, and some solid, accurate (by that

I mean consistent with what has been reported informally to me) data was

presented, which included the following:

1.  In a study of 337 vaccinated servicemembers from Korea, the rate of

any reaction (from very minor to severe) was 40% in men, but 70% in

women.  Reactions led to "decreased activity" in 3% of males, but in 8%

of females.

2.  The ongoing study of 600 servicemembers at Tripler Army Medical

Center, Hawaii, has resulted in 20% (120 people) developing a systemic

reaction after at least one of the first three injections.  However,

only 4 VAERS have been filed for this group, despite the high rate of

lost duty time, and need for medical attention

3.  At Dover Air Force Base, 20-25 persons have been identified with a

similar, Gulf War-like illness resulting in a more than 50% reduction in

function, compared to their pre-vaccine state, according to Col. (Dr.)

Renata Engler, Chief of the Allergy/Immunology Department, Walter Reed,

and Consultant to OTSG, Allergy-Immunology.

4.  Reasons for not filing VAERS are interesting.  Since an adverse

reaction may prevent further vaccination, and thereby prevent a

servicemember from deployment, interfering with a career, some

physicians feel it is unethical to report adverse effects, based on the

"first do no harm" principle.  For those part-timers such as pilots, a

VAERS could potentially end a civilian career.  So far, only 111 VAERS

have been filed for 250,000 vaccinees.

Military physicians at this meeting have called for changes in policy to

increase VAERS reporting, possibly make the vaccinations voluntary, and

to more seriously evaluate and treat servicemembers' reactions due to

the vaccine.  

I cannot emphasize enough how important these revelations are.  They

fully support the claims that we have made about the frequency and

severity of vaccine adverse reactions.  This is DOD's OWN DATA, obtained

over the past year.  This information needs to be disseminated as widely

as possible. 

----

According to Redmond Handy, "a key congressional staff member today said

it's a godsend the Defense Authorization Bill got pulled because there's

interest from some members to introduce an anthrax vaccine amendment--all 

the more critical that we flood the members of the House Armed Services 

Committee with our opinions over the next 2-3 weeks, especially after 

they return from Memorial Day recess around June 8."   Please remember, 

most Congresspersons will be in their home districts this Memorial Day

vacation week.

Consider making an appointment with your reps or their staffers ASAP. 

Let me/other list members know if more information is needed to assist

you in these visits.

Meryl Nass, MD 

Parkview Hospital, Brunswick, Maine  04011

email  mnass@igc.apc.org

phone (207) 865-0875

fax   (207) 865-6975

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.