Posted on 10/21/2001 10:33:10 PM PDT by bonesmccoy
Just wanted to leave you all some info on Vaccinia vaccination. Basically, last I heard the small pox immunization was not being produced in the USA. There was a report today that DOD has ordered supplies from UK. Frankly, I don't know how the UK could be producing the vaccine. The only known stockpiles of the virus (after World Health Organization/UN announced eradication of the virus from Earth) were in the US and USSR. If a UK company is making vaccine, what is in the vaccine?
The old vaccine was produced using techniques that would not be licensed or approved today. So, the stockpile doesn't meet current specs. Also, my info was that the stockpile is about 20 years old.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm not about to use 20-year-old vaccine in my practice without knowing that the vaccine was needed. I certainly would not use it in our children, unless I was convinced that a threat exists.
I do have the scar from the smallpox vaccine on my arm. My doctor gave it to me in the late 1970's. So, I feel a certain measure of comfort from that knowledge. However, it is important to note that the immunologic effect of the vaccine wanes (decreases) over the years.
Talking-heads on CNN et al have been stating that those who received the vaccine may not be immune. Well, I would like to point out to those @%^*!s that the original small pox vaccine was a LIVE VIRUS. That's why your skin ended up with welts, sores, and then scarred for life. The Japanese used the Oka Chicken Pox Vaccine for 20 years before the US gov't finally got it released to our nation. Have the Japanese seen any waning immunity from Oka Varicella Zoster Vaccine (the chickenpox vaccine)? NO! Yet, there are still idiot talking-heads who are PAID to show up on some news program and to spout incorrect info that the OkaVZV vaccine has concerns about waning immunity. ACCORDING TO WHOM?
The FDA can find an answer to the question of waning smallpox immunity real fast. THOMPSON NEEDS TO TELL CDC TO COMMISSION A FOLLOW-UP STUDY ON THE OLD SMALLPOX IMMUNIZATION. Have CDC draw serum samples on our generation of kids (who got the vaccine when we were young and are now consenting adults). Confirm when the patient received the vaccine and check the sample for any antibodies to smallpox. If you find IgG antibodies (assuming we know how to locate such antibodies, which I can not vouch for), then you will know if boosters are needed in previously immunized individuals.
Vaccinia Vaccine
Vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine, a licensed product, is a preparation of infectious vaccinia virus whose origin and manipulation is FDA approved. The vaccinia is grown in the skin of a vaccinated bovine calf (2). In 1982, the only active licensed producer of vaccinia vaccine in the United States, Wyeth Laboratories, discontinued production for general use, and, in 1983, distribution to the civilian population was discontinued. Smallpox vaccination has not been required for international travelers since January 1982, and International Certificates of Vaccination no longer include smallpox vaccination.
CDC provides vaccinia vaccine for laboratory workers directly involved with smallpox or closely related orthopox viruses (e.g., monkeypox and vaccinia). Due to clinical trials involving recombinant vaccinia virus vaccines, health-care workers (e.g., physicians and nurses) may now be exposed to vaccinia and recombinant vaccinia viruses and should be considered for vaccinia vaccination (6).
There is no evidence that smallpox vaccination has any therapeutic value in the treatment or prevention of recurrent herpes simplex infection, warts, oral thrush, or any other diseases (6). Requests for smallpox vaccine for these unapproved uses cannot be granted.
It's not even the kind of gamble an Islamic terrorist would entertain, it's absolutely inevitable.
Yes, but the thought does occur to me that we, as rational humans, quickly see the fallacy of terrorists releasing smallpox into the world. The terrorists, being madmen with an insane agenda, might see the death of millions (including Muslims) as a means of moving Islam's clash with the West forward.
Having said this, I would not be willing to use any of the 20 years old stockpiles in our practice. I would only be willing to use vaccines manufactured recently (i.e. in 2001 or later).
I've noticed some of you are concerned of side effects. Information on vaccination problems in the old vaccine suggests that booster dosages are less likely to create bad side effects than the initial vaccination.
I wouldn't use the existing vaccine supply unless I absolutely had no choice. The only vaccines that I would trust are the ones being manufactured today. Your opinion is valid and I agree. I feel that the federal government needs to make any array of vaccines available to our populace. Limits on the availability of the anthrax or smallpox vaccine should be lifted.
I've been leery of getting my kids the vaccine. I remember reading that sometimes the vaccine is fatal (if you contract the disease too strongly, since vaccine gives you a small dose of the bug). I'd be glad to get more info, if I knew a good source. Anyone out there have good info?
LET'S ROLL!!!
I was vaccinated for it twice. The first time at the age of 2, which I find strange because the vaccination record says to vaccinate at the age of 5-6 years.
I was vaccinated for smallpox the second time only 3 years later in 1966 when it suggests that the vaccine be repeated every 4-5 years.
Who knows what my Dr. was doing, I'm still here he must have done something right.
MKM
well... they DO make the vaccines with egg... hmmmmmmmm. :^)
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