flu shots

[Guest guest]

Lon,

Not only will EMS be left out in the dark, it appears that

some people are still in the dark regarding EMS. The Chief

Epidemiologist for County Public Health and

Environmental Services says personnel who " only drive the

ambulance " and therefore have " limited patient contact "

should forego vaccination. I won't speak for all

departments, but here every crew member participates in

patient assessment and care--we don't have people who " only

drive " .

This person also says that vaccinations for health care

workers (HCW) is not to protect the HCW, but to protect the

patient the HCW is treating. I agree that this is a valid

concern, but not the only concern. We DO need to think about

protecting ourselves and our staff--if we have only 2 or 3

people out sick at the same time, it'll be very difficult to

keep the the shifts covered.

I know that some difficult decisions must be made as to who

does or does not get the limited amount of vaccine that is

available, but attitudes like those expressed by this Chief

Epidemiologist really rub me the wrong way. I'm sure glad we

aren't in County.

You're right--there could really be some tough times ahead.

Maxine

hire-Pattison EMS

---- Original message ----

>Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:12:24 -0000

>

>Subject: Flu Shots

>To:

>

> With the current shortage of both paramedics and flu

> vaccine there

> may be a potential for tough times this flu season.

> In the past we

> have obtained vaccine from our meds vendor and

> vaccinated our own

> staff but so far, no vaccine and its not looking

> optimistic that we

> will get it this year. I spoke with the

> County Department of

> Public Health and was told that EMS people are " not

> health care

> workers " . That shook things up a little down here

> but still no

> vaccine. Many of our staff have attempted to get

> vaccinated by their

> own docs only to be told that they do not qualify.

> Makes me wonder

> what will happen in the event of a large scale event

> requiring mass

> inoculations. Will EMS be left out in the dark?

>

> Lon Squyres

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lon,

Not only will EMS be left out in the dark, it appears that

some people are still in the dark regarding EMS. The Chief

Epidemiologist for County Public Health and

Environmental Services says personnel who " only drive the

ambulance " and therefore have " limited patient contact "

should forego vaccination. I won't speak for all

departments, but here every crew member participates in

patient assessment and care--we don't have people who " only

drive " .

This person also says that vaccinations for health care

workers (HCW) is not to protect the HCW, but to protect the

patient the HCW is treating. I agree that this is a valid

concern, but not the only concern. We DO need to think about

protecting ourselves and our staff--if we have only 2 or 3

people out sick at the same time, it'll be very difficult to

keep the the shifts covered.

I know that some difficult decisions must be made as to who

does or does not get the limited amount of vaccine that is

available, but attitudes like those expressed by this Chief

Epidemiologist really rub me the wrong way. I'm sure glad we

aren't in County.

You're right--there could really be some tough times ahead.

Maxine

hire-Pattison EMS

---- Original message ----

>Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:12:24 -0000

>

>Subject: Flu Shots

>To:

>

> With the current shortage of both paramedics and flu

> vaccine there

> may be a potential for tough times this flu season.

> In the past we

> have obtained vaccine from our meds vendor and

> vaccinated our own

> staff but so far, no vaccine and its not looking

> optimistic that we

> will get it this year. I spoke with the

> County Department of

> Public Health and was told that EMS people are " not

> health care

> workers " . That shook things up a little down here

> but still no

> vaccine. Many of our staff have attempted to get

> vaccinated by their

> own docs only to be told that they do not qualify.

> Makes me wonder

> what will happen in the event of a large scale event

> requiring mass

> inoculations. Will EMS be left out in the dark?

>

> Lon Squyres

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lon,

Not only will EMS be left out in the dark, it appears that

some people are still in the dark regarding EMS. The Chief

Epidemiologist for County Public Health and

Environmental Services says personnel who " only drive the

ambulance " and therefore have " limited patient contact "

should forego vaccination. I won't speak for all

departments, but here every crew member participates in

patient assessment and care--we don't have people who " only

drive " .

This person also says that vaccinations for health care

workers (HCW) is not to protect the HCW, but to protect the

patient the HCW is treating. I agree that this is a valid

concern, but not the only concern. We DO need to think about

protecting ourselves and our staff--if we have only 2 or 3

people out sick at the same time, it'll be very difficult to

keep the the shifts covered.

I know that some difficult decisions must be made as to who

does or does not get the limited amount of vaccine that is

available, but attitudes like those expressed by this Chief

Epidemiologist really rub me the wrong way. I'm sure glad we

aren't in County.

You're right--there could really be some tough times ahead.

Maxine

hire-Pattison EMS

---- Original message ----

>Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:12:24 -0000

>

>Subject: Flu Shots

>To:

>

> With the current shortage of both paramedics and flu

> vaccine there

> may be a potential for tough times this flu season.

> In the past we

> have obtained vaccine from our meds vendor and

> vaccinated our own

> staff but so far, no vaccine and its not looking

> optimistic that we

> will get it this year. I spoke with the

> County Department of

> Public Health and was told that EMS people are " not

> health care

> workers " . That shook things up a little down here

> but still no

> vaccine. Many of our staff have attempted to get

> vaccinated by their

> own docs only to be told that they do not qualify.

> Makes me wonder

> what will happen in the event of a large scale event

> requiring mass

> inoculations. Will EMS be left out in the dark?

>

> Lon Squyres

>

>

[Guest guest]

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Vaccines are available for EMS workers.

Flu Mist is now being sold directly to EMS providers. 1-

or 1-877-FLUMIST. They are very easy to work with and will sell you

up to 70 doses @ $16.00 each.

This the inhaled version but limited to healthy people ages 5 to 49.

(I barely squeaked in)

Hope this helps.

Lon Squyres

[Guest guest]

Apparenlty the Chief Epidemiologist from County is not the only health

official with this very destructive view of EMS and fire. There was a person in

the hierarchy of a local health department in our section of the state who

expressed the same opinion.

Jane Hill

-------------- Original message from Greg Higgins : --------------

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Apparenlty the Chief Epidemiologist from County is not the only health

official with this very destructive view of EMS and fire. There was a person in

the hierarchy of a local health department in our section of the state who

expressed the same opinion.

Jane Hill

-------------- Original message from Greg Higgins : --------------

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Apparenlty the Chief Epidemiologist from County is not the only health

official with this very destructive view of EMS and fire. There was a person in

the hierarchy of a local health department in our section of the state who

expressed the same opinion.

Jane Hill

-------------- Original message from Greg Higgins : --------------

Obviously some folks need to educate themselves. The CDC has issued a

statement (available on the CDC web site) that specifically identifies EMS

and fire service personnel as being in the target groups to receive the flu

vaccine. On the other hand, it might be prudent on our part to evaluate

ourselves as not EVERYONE has patient contact on a regular basis

(especially on the fire side first responders). Food for thought.....

Greg Higgins

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information, Lon.

Re: Flu Shots

Vaccines are available for EMS workers.

Flu Mist is now being sold directly to EMS providers. 1-

or 1-877-FLUMIST. They are very easy to work with and will sell you

up to 70 doses @ $16.00 each.

This the inhaled version but limited to healthy people ages 5 to 49.

(I barely squeaked in)

Hope this helps.

Lon Squyres

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information, Lon.

Re: Flu Shots

Vaccines are available for EMS workers.

Flu Mist is now being sold directly to EMS providers. 1-

or 1-877-FLUMIST. They are very easy to work with and will sell you

up to 70 doses @ $16.00 each.

This the inhaled version but limited to healthy people ages 5 to 49.

(I barely squeaked in)

Hope this helps.

Lon Squyres

[Guest guest]

NO, it's the rest of the world who has the identity crisis. Does anybody have

this guy's email address? Maybe he would reconsider if he was deluged with some

well thought out responses to this, especially if some other Docs jumped on

board. Just another obstacle to overcoming the 'ambulance driver' image.

Meredith

Re: Flu Shots

OK, someone help me here. county Chief Epidemiologist stated to

someone that " EMS workers are not health care providers " ? We are not social

workers, we are not public servants, we are not taxi drivers.

Am I the only one having an identity crisis? What are we then?

Danny L.

Owner/NREMT-P

Panhandle Emergency Training Services And Response

(PETSAR)

Office

FAX

[Guest guest]

If that's what he said, I'm just as confused as you are. Some help

would be nice to clarify this.

-Alfonso R. Ochoa

> OK, someone help me here. county Chief Epidemiologist stated to

> someone that " EMS workers are not health care providers " ? We are

not social

> workers, we are not public servants, we are not taxi drivers.

>

> Am I the only one having an identity crisis? What are we then?

>

[Guest guest]

If that's what he said, I'm just as confused as you are. Some help

would be nice to clarify this.

-Alfonso R. Ochoa

> OK, someone help me here. county Chief Epidemiologist stated to

> someone that " EMS workers are not health care providers " ? We are

not social

> workers, we are not public servants, we are not taxi drivers.

>

> Am I the only one having an identity crisis? What are we then?

>

[Guest guest]

If that's what he said, I'm just as confused as you are. Some help

would be nice to clarify this.

-Alfonso R. Ochoa

> OK, someone help me here. county Chief Epidemiologist stated to

> someone that " EMS workers are not health care providers " ? We are

not social

> workers, we are not public servants, we are not taxi drivers.

>

> Am I the only one having an identity crisis? What are we then?

>

[Guest guest]

concerns about flu vaccine

Below is the message from Kilborn, Chief Epidemiologist County

Public Health and Environmental Services.

Lucille Maes, LP

Chief of Emergency Services

Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps

P O Box 1420

Angleton, TX 77516-1420

(fax)

aaemc@...

concerns about flu vaccine

Distribution to area EMS providers

I received an inquiry regarding vaccine availability for EMS, I am

sharing my response with our EMS Health Alert distribution list in case you

have similar concern

I understand completely your concerns about vaccine availability for EMS

personnel. However, the primary rationale for the health care worker (HCW)

vaccination recommendation is to protect the patient the HCW is treating

(creating a buffer so to speak). It is not designed to " keep the flu away "

from the health care worker. In a perfect world, EMS should probably

receive vaccine, but in this shortage, we need to follow the priority lists.

And I know HCWs are still listed on the priority list, however there is now

consideration that there will be a need to prioritize the priority list.

You may want to consider the job duties of your staff. If some remain in

the office or only drive the ambulance (both having limited patient

contact), they should forego vaccination. Review respiratory precautions

with your crews that respond to calls, and consider temporarily removing

symptomatic staff (respiratory symptoms) from responding to calls.

The county health department does not order a significant number of

doses of the vaccine. We only order enough to handle our high risk clients

and the elderly in the communities we serve. If you still consider

yourself or your staff at increased risk, you can seek out vaccination from

any source available.

If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know

Kilborn, MPH, M(ASCP)

Chief Epidemiologist

County Public Health

and Environmental Services

2223 West Loop South

Houston, TX 77027

phone:

fax:

[Guest guest]

>

>

> I have been trying to research this, but thought I would ask you

all...I have been trying to determine the onset of my symptoms since I

hadn't had any fillings placed in my mouth for several years. Anyways,

I noted in my records, that my symptoms of weakness, fatigue, Raynauds

and then numbness and tingling...now burning all began this time last

year.

>

> Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the same time..

I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol, but does

anyone think or KNOW or experienced an immune challenge after a flu shot?

>

I am aware of many people who became ill after a flu shot or some

other vaccination.

The hep b series is especially problematic. When the topic came up in

one of the MS groups I follow scores of people said that their MS

symptoms started after a hep b series.

In the autism mercury group parents report onset of their kids

symptoms following vaccination.

> If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels in

motion?

>

Yes.

> Any input is appreciated. :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> kind regards,

> Nahla Abbo

>

> " The best way to predict your future...is to invent it "

> -unknown

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

>

> I have been trying to research this, but thought I would ask you

all...I have been trying to determine the onset of my symptoms since I

hadn't had any fillings placed in my mouth for several years. Anyways,

I noted in my records, that my symptoms of weakness, fatigue, Raynauds

and then numbness and tingling...now burning all began this time last

year.

>

> Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the same time..

I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol, but does

anyone think or KNOW or experienced an immune challenge after a flu shot?

>

I am aware of many people who became ill after a flu shot or some

other vaccination.

The hep b series is especially problematic. When the topic came up in

one of the MS groups I follow scores of people said that their MS

symptoms started after a hep b series.

In the autism mercury group parents report onset of their kids

symptoms following vaccination.

> If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels in

motion?

>

Yes.

> Any input is appreciated. :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> kind regards,

> Nahla Abbo

>

> " The best way to predict your future...is to invent it "

> -unknown

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nahla,

YES!!! to the flu shot question. Our daughter's nasty decline began

after a booster[dt and polio] age 6. It took about 6 weeks before the

nset of symptoms, which got progressively worse over the years. If

you do the math you have to weigh approx 550 pounds to tolerate the

25 mcg of mercury in those flu shots. The government set limit for

mercury exposure is 0.1mcg per kg[2.2lbs]. This is also addressing

exposure through the air, food chain, etc, NEVER through direct

injection. Not long ago there was a gal in clinic who was

experiencing some of these same symptoms you describe. Her whole

upper arm was a red, swollen mess from a flu shot. She was a

pharmacist and saw NO connection between the swollen arm and the

generalized symptom pattern she was experiencing!!!!

>

>

> I have been trying to research this, but thought I would ask you

all...I have been trying to determine the onset of my symptoms since

I hadn't had any fillings placed in my mouth for several years.

Anyways, I noted in my records, that my symptoms of weakness,

fatigue, Raynauds and then numbness and tingling...now burning all

began this time last year.

>

> Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the same time..

I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol, but does

anyone think or KNOW or experienced an immune challenge after a flu

shot?

>

> If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels

in motion?

>

> Any input is appreciated. :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> kind regards,

> Nahla Abbo

>

> " The best way to predict your future...is to invent it "

> -unknown

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Nahla,

YES!!! to the flu shot question. Our daughter's nasty decline began

after a booster[dt and polio] age 6. It took about 6 weeks before the

nset of symptoms, which got progressively worse over the years. If

you do the math you have to weigh approx 550 pounds to tolerate the

25 mcg of mercury in those flu shots. The government set limit for

mercury exposure is 0.1mcg per kg[2.2lbs]. This is also addressing

exposure through the air, food chain, etc, NEVER through direct

injection. Not long ago there was a gal in clinic who was

experiencing some of these same symptoms you describe. Her whole

upper arm was a red, swollen mess from a flu shot. She was a

pharmacist and saw NO connection between the swollen arm and the

generalized symptom pattern she was experiencing!!!!

>

>

> I have been trying to research this, but thought I would ask you

all...I have been trying to determine the onset of my symptoms since

I hadn't had any fillings placed in my mouth for several years.

Anyways, I noted in my records, that my symptoms of weakness,

fatigue, Raynauds and then numbness and tingling...now burning all

began this time last year.

>

> Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the same time..

I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol, but does

anyone think or KNOW or experienced an immune challenge after a flu

shot?

>

> If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels

in motion?

>

> Any input is appreciated. :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> kind regards,

> Nahla Abbo

>

> " The best way to predict your future...is to invent it "

> -unknown

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nahla and Dean,

Vaccines were the trigger for my health problems too. I had an

advanced course of Hepatitis B vaccines in 1993 which means I had 3

shots within 3 months instead of stretched over the usual 7 month

period plus a booster. It wasnt long after the fourth shot I started

to experience unwellness which was at that time diagnosed as an inner

ear infection. It wasnt until years later when I had access to the

internet I realised the vaccines contained thimerosal and all the

strange symptoms I developed were typical mercury toxicity symptoms.

They were actually all typical M.S. symptoms which is what I thought

I had until that was ruled out and I was diagnosed with CFS. Also I

remember a year or so prior to this getting an amalgam filling and

then like Dean getting the vaccines were just the final straw.

Looking back I remember after getting my filling experiencing odd

subtle mental disturbances which I just attributed to my mood changes

but now I realise on reflection it was definite changes in brain

function probably due to the mercury. When I realised I had mercury

toxicity so many things fell into place and all my experiences made

sense.

I personally would never risk another vaccination and I'm not a

believer in vaccines anyway as a way of preventing illness.

Cheers,

Anne

>

>

> >Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the >same

time.. I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol,

but does anyone think or KNOW or experienced >an immune challenge

after a flu shot?

> >If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels in

motion.

>

> Absolutely Nahla,

> That is exactly what happened to me.

> I had a Hepatitis B Vaccine that I believe set the wheels in motion.

> Then the root canal, nickel crowns, cavitations and old mercury

hidden in my body from long ago went on attack.

> I had symptoms before, but after the vaccination everything

intensified and did not let go.

> It was like the vaccination pushed me over the edge and all the

dental toxicity that had been there all along went crazy.

> I now avoid vaccinations (and flu shots) with the same resolve I

avoid mercury and root canals.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nahla and Dean,

Vaccines were the trigger for my health problems too. I had an

advanced course of Hepatitis B vaccines in 1993 which means I had 3

shots within 3 months instead of stretched over the usual 7 month

period plus a booster. It wasnt long after the fourth shot I started

to experience unwellness which was at that time diagnosed as an inner

ear infection. It wasnt until years later when I had access to the

internet I realised the vaccines contained thimerosal and all the

strange symptoms I developed were typical mercury toxicity symptoms.

They were actually all typical M.S. symptoms which is what I thought

I had until that was ruled out and I was diagnosed with CFS. Also I

remember a year or so prior to this getting an amalgam filling and

then like Dean getting the vaccines were just the final straw.

Looking back I remember after getting my filling experiencing odd

subtle mental disturbances which I just attributed to my mood changes

but now I realise on reflection it was definite changes in brain

function probably due to the mercury. When I realised I had mercury

toxicity so many things fell into place and all my experiences made

sense.

I personally would never risk another vaccination and I'm not a

believer in vaccines anyway as a way of preventing illness.

Cheers,

Anne

>

>

> >Then yesterday, I remembered while at the drugstore because of a

Flu shot promotion, that I had gotten a flushot round the >same

time.. I know that some vaccinations contain up to 25% thimerasol,

but does anyone think or KNOW or experienced >an immune challenge

after a flu shot?

> >If I was already mercury toxic...could this have set the wheels in

motion.

>

> Absolutely Nahla,

> That is exactly what happened to me.

> I had a Hepatitis B Vaccine that I believe set the wheels in motion.

> Then the root canal, nickel crowns, cavitations and old mercury

hidden in my body from long ago went on attack.

> I had symptoms before, but after the vaccination everything

intensified and did not let go.

> It was like the vaccination pushed me over the edge and all the

dental toxicity that had been there all along went crazy.

> I now avoid vaccinations (and flu shots) with the same resolve I

avoid mercury and root canals.

>

>

>

>