| Smallpox Vaccine Can Be Fatal to ME/CFIDS Patients In the October issue of the Journal of the America Medical Association (JAMA), a former CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) researcher, Dr. John Neff and his research team found that getting a smallpox vaccination or even being around a person who recently had the vaccine could be harmful with those with weakened immune systems or a history of eczema. The vaccine contains a less virulent relative of smallpox called vaccinia and people with skin disorders can spread the virus across their own skin which can infect others who are not vaccinated. After a dose of live virus, a small, inflamed lump forms in 2 to 5 days. This fills with pus and reaches the maximum size in 8 to 10 days. Live virus is shed from this time until the scab drops off 2-3 weeks following the inoculation. The research was based upon mass vaccinations in the United States, Britain, and Sweden from the 1940's to the 1960's. Youngsters under the age of 5 are very vulnerable. While the risk of contact vaccinia is not large, those with ME/CFIDS are at risk. Widespread vaccinations ceased in 1972 for smallpox making nearly everyone born after that date more vulnerable. Those receiving the vaccination could remain able to spread the vaccinia for a full 19 days! The JAMA article calls for a surveillance effort that should be implemented to reduce the spread of the disease. Vaccinia is characterized by a rash. When one's immune system is impaired, this virus can lead to encephalitis and death. At this writing, there has not been a case of smallpox in the United States in decades. It is clear that smallpox poses a risk, but it is even more clear that vaccination poses a greater risk for those with compromised immune systems from ME/CFIDS, AIDS, organ transplants, and chemotherapy. It is a hypothetical threat and, with genetic engineering so absurdly easy now, a more virulent form may already have been made by what the government perceives to be a threatening nation and inoculations could only give a very temporary gain. We feel the question of vaccinations, as the Washington Post reported that Senator Judd Gregg said, "should be made by individuals and their doctors --- not the federal government." Heath and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has declined to have the innoculation. He said, "I do not believe it is necessary or should be taking place." Please avoid all emergency rooms and hospitals if possible and stay far away from those who have had the innoculation. We really don't enjoy adding names to our Memorial List. |
The National CFIDS Foundation
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