Criticism over "government-only" flu jabs, reserved for soldiers, policemen, and essential workers, comes against the backdrop of a nationwide immunisation campaign due to start next week.
The H1N1 virus has so far affected just 23,000 people in Germany, but the government is keen on vaccinating as many people as possible to avoid a possible large-scale outbreak at the start of the winter season.But revelations in the press that top officials and other essential workers will get the Celvapan vaccine, manufactured by Baxter, which has fewer side effects than the mass Pandemrix vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline has caused a public outcry.
Government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm has rejected accusations of a "two-tier medical system", saying both vaccines have equal worth.
Three vaccines -- Pandemrix, Celvapan, and Focetria -- have been approved by the European Union to fight the swine flu epidemic and "there isn't a 'better' or a 'worse' one", Wilhelm told a news conference Monday.
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Which measures are being taken to ensure the safe use of Focetria? - European Medicines Agency
"The company that makes Focetria will collect information on the safety of the vaccine while it is being used. This will include information on its side effects and its safety in children, pregnant women, patients with severe conditions and people who have problems with their immune systems".
Which measures are being taken to ensure the safe use of Pandemrix? - European Medicines Agency
"The company that makes Pandemrix will collect information on the safety of the vaccine while it is being used. This will include information on its side effects and its safety in the elderly, pregnant women, patients with severe conditions and people who have problems with their immune systems".
Which measures are being taken to ensure the safe use of Celvapan? - European Medicines Agency
"The company that makes Celvapan will collect information on the safety of the vaccine while it is being used. This will include information on its side effects and its safety in children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients with severe conditions and people who have problems with their immune systems".
I'm not saying anything! - I wouldn't want to be accused of scaremongering!
The fact that a large percentage of frontline health workers don't plan to get it should tell you something... ;)
ReplyDeleteThe admission by the European Medicines Agency that they're using people as guinea pigs on their site is unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteI asked a Dr. specialising in resparitory medicine whether he would be happy for his entire family to have this, his reply was evasive to say the least.
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