Bear Flag Republic Radio Weblog

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I suspect that a well-intentioned public relations campaign to get at-risk individuals immunized blew up out of control - but now with headlines proclaiming "Experts warn of upcoming and horrific flu pandemic". I think this starts to look a little too well orchestrated. The government wants 185 million people to be vaccinated, not 83 million we have now. So let's scare the hell out of everyone and call it the worst flu season in years (so far, according to the CDC, its a normal flu season, but since when are facts important?)

Conveniently, Medicare increased flu shot payments to health care providers by 94% this year. Chiron increased this years production capacity of vaccine by 50%. Aventis-Pasteur recently increased its production capacity for the 2004-2005 year and is now accepting pre-booking orders. They were concerned that last year 12 million vaccine doses went unused (and where destroyed last summer!) What a surprise that this year, it has all been used up. (More in their PowerPoint presentation).

Additionally, the Federal government approved in October 2002, new "Standing Orders" protocols enabling pharmacists and nurses to give vaccines without a specific doctor order. Federal Register, Vol. 67, No. 191 (October 2, 2002: "All orders for drugs and biologicals must be in writing and signed by the practitioner or practitioners responsible for the care of the patient as specified under 482.12(c) with the exception of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, which may be administered per physician-approved facility policy after an assessment for contraindications.[per thou]

Throw in a detailed AMA Influenza marketing campaign, a little bit of manic media and you've got the perfect storm for FLU CRISIS 2003! FILM AT ELEVEN! Within perhaps 2 weeks, this year's flu will have peaked and there will be official pronouncements that the season ended early owing to the great vaccination programs! Even though as of today, Dec 13th, the CDC is still unable to say whether the current vaccine is effective or not.

Note: Flu is a normal but serious illness striking 10% to 20% of the population every year, and amongst the elderly, is very expensive to treat since it often results in hospitalization. Taking steps to vaccinate appropriate populations is extremely important and is a tremendously cost effective way to reduce overall health care costs. My comments here are about a unethical "crisis" that was created out of thin air, much to the advantage of several special interests. Within a few years, watch for schools and employers to begin demanding proof of annual influenza vaccination before participating in various events. When diseases have their own marketing departments, many exciting programs can be developed!

More data: Canada's FluWatch with data and links to influenza in other countries. Incidence of flu is dropping in the U.K., Spain, Portugal and elsewhere. [Edward Mitchell: Common Sense Technology]

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