An recent article in the New York Times makes a prediction that is certain to be accurate: Some people will suffer from heart attacks, strokes, miscarriages, and other health problems shortly after receiving the H1N1 vaccine.
It’s almost as likely that the two events will be coincidence, because as the article points out:
"There are about 2,400 miscarriages a day in the U.S.," said Dr. Jay C. Butler, chief of the swine flu vaccine task force at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "You’ll see things that would have happened anyway. But the vaccine doesn’t cause miscarriages. It also doesn’t cause auto accidents, but they happen."
The article describes how, unlike the expected 1976 swine flu epidemic (which never developed – that’s a good thing), this year the CDC will be vigilant about tracking not only the flu, but the inevitable misinformation and misunderstandings that surely will be pushed by ignorant paranoid activists and a dumbed-down mainstream media.
Officials are particularly worried about spontaneous miscarriages, because they are urging pregnant women to be among the first to be vaccinated. Pregnant women are usually advised to get flu shots, because they and their fetuses are at high risk of flu complications, but this year the pressure is greater. Expectant mothers are normally advised to avoid drugs, alcohol and anything else that might affect a fetus.
It should be pointed out (and it is in the NYT article) that the CDC will also be vigilant about tracking any legitimate problems with the vaccine. I'm very impressed with their flu.gov website. It should be the first stop for anyone wanting accurate and timely information about H1N1 and/or the vaccine.
My prediction is that within 72 hours of the vaccine being administered to the first wave of patients, we will see at least 3 DKos diaries trying to claim that someone’s heart attack, miscarriage, or other health problems were caused by the H1N1 vaccine.
Here is my plea to those who might want to publish one of those speculative "Were my hemorrhoids caused by the H1N1 vaccine?" diaries: Before you hit the "publish" button on your diary, stop at the CDC website. Do some research. Do not contribute to the unfounded and irrational fears that would prevent vulnerable people from getting a vaccine that will almost certainly save lives.
If there are legitimate problems with the vaccine, the CDC will revise their recommendations if necessary and will inform the public.
Yes, they will.