"Vaccination Crisis" or reasonable expectation in the east

2009 H1N1 flu vaccination is on the way, but not everyone's excited

By: Arthur Mondale | WNCT
Published: September 26, 2009

Health officials say the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination is on the way, but not everyone's is excited by that. Some believe our country has become too dependant on drugs and vaccinations. Drugs that cost billions and according to them may do more harm than good.
On Friday, a group in West Greenville passed out a flyer that makes some pretty bold claims.
Muslims with Muhammad Mosque No.79 and other community leaders are calling it a “vaccination crisis”--too much hysteria over a drug to handle a pandemic that has been magnifying as we enter the flu season.
Their flyers claim the vaccine as untested and a dangerous drug. A drug, they claim the government will force you to take. And the flyer also says the government won't accept the blame if you have an adverse reaction caused by the vaccine.
Muslim author and health advocate Kevin A. Muhammad adds, “I think that every time you turn around there's a new pill again. There's a new vaccine and billion of dollars are dolled out--rather than spending money on preventative measures."
But health experts say the claims are either misleading or just plain wrong. For instance the claim you will be forced to take the vaccine? Dr. John Morrow, Health Director for the Pitt County Health Department adds, “Vaccination is totally voluntary. Unless someone wants to be vaccinated, they will not be vaccinated.”
But Dr. Morrow admits there is an element of danger with any drug, “You’re weighing the risk and benefit with any medication. Is the risk of taking the medication or the vaccine--higher than the risk of getting the disease that the vaccine would protect you from."
Morrow adds in the past some patients have had adverse reactions to federally produced drugs and that's why congress came up with the vaccine injury program--that compensates you if you've been hurt. While the flyer claims the vaccine as not been tested---just last week, 9OYS reported researchers in Australia are doing just that. Vaccinations work and are safe for the vast majority of Americans and that's why they're recommended and tested.

Dr. Morrow adds many drugs contain some mercury--mercury is used as a preservative. But says mercury levels are about what you would find in a can of tuna.