Largest Vaccination Program in History Begins

October 26, 2009.

All canadians now have the option to get both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine available at the same time.   This is being done nation-wide, one shot in each arm. 


Soon, seasonal vaccine will be removed from immunization clinics.  If required, it will be re-introduced later.


Studies suggest that upwards of 1/3 of seniors  have a natural immunity to H1N1.  Perhaps they were previously exposed to a short lived version of the H1N1 virus. 


The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified these groups as a priority for immunization: For those who want to be given a vaccine, but do not want a needle, the nasal spray version of the anti-gen is not available in Canada, at the moment. 


The United States started vaccinating their people with MedImmune's Flumist. 
Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV) is sprayed into the nose.

The 2009 H1N1 LAIV does not contain thimerosal (mercury) or other preservatives.


Canada has not approved the use of FluMist.
 
Likewise, the USA has not approved the use of any adjuvent in their vaccine.  Canada, on the other hand - has approved (for the 1st time) the use of an adjuvent in a vaccine.

Canada's injectable vaccine includes thimerosal as a preservative and an adjuvent, called AS03.  This contains Squalene - which is shark liver oil.  Squalene is widely discussed as being a contributing factor for Gulf War Syndrome - via the squalene in the Anthrax vaccinations troops received. 

AS03:

DL-α-tocopherol: 11.86 milligrams/0.5mL dose
Squalene: 10.69 milligrams/0.5mL dose,
Polysorbate 80: 4.86 milligrams/0.5mL dose

The adjuvent is mixed in with the vaccine to stretch out the supply, and apparently promotes antibody production. Because this version of the vaccine is meant to be stockpiled, evidently the thimerosal is added as a preservitive. 

Canada has decided, at this point - not to answer Obama's call to join those countries who pledge to donate 10% of the county's vaccine to third world countries.   

I believe Canada likely be looking to return tens of millions of doses to GSK, but ultimatley contribute to the Global Response and donate a few.  We ordered over 50 million doses and will need maybe 15 million.  I hope Canada's kept the receipt.  If we end up with just In-Pharma credit, we'd be liable for another pandemic to supply vaccines for. In fact, according to Helen Branswell of The Canadian Press - Canadian Authorities may be in discussion with big Pharma to do just that.


Health Canada suspects 35% or more of Canadians will be sick and out of circulation due to the H1N1 virus.  Not at work, not at school. 


Most people who come into contact and contract the H1N1 virus will have mild reaction.

According to the CDC, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

• fever  
• cough
• runny nose
• stuffy nose  
• sore throat  
• body aches 
• headache  
• chills  
• extreme fatigue or tiredness
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• pneumonia
• respiratory failure