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Thursday February 4, 2010 | Recommend
In a request to the Ombudsman, specialists intend to investigate the dose requirement
Doctors question effectiveness and safety of influenza vaccine
? Minister of Health claims that dose is safe
Vanessa Chaves
vachaves@larepublica.net
Medical specialists have launched a public challenge against compulsory mass vaccination against influenza A H1N1, for which appealed to the Ombudsman for investigation.
This finding that there is insufficient evidence capable of demonstrating that the dose is effective and safe.
This argument is supported by at least three points.
The first is that the influenza A virus H1N1 would be more benign, that is less harmful than the seasonal flu.
The second is that the World Health Organization (WHO) removed in the traditional definition of pandemic severity criterion, in order to declare the situation that existed as such.
Once a pandemic has begun, it began the manufacture of vaccines by the pharmaceutical companies, and the rush was put aside his studies to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Another argument is that the vaccine used in Costa Rica, contains a substance called thimerosal.
"This is a very dubious product safety, particularly when used in children under six and pregnant," the document signed by over 90 specialists, including lawyers and doctors of different specialties.
These two populations are required to receive the vaccine as stated in the decree.
In this regard, the Ombudsman's office is working on the case. Specifically yesterday sent a series of questions to the Ministry of Health giving five working days to respond.
The document specifically calls on six aspects of the vaccine. Including its composition and side effects and adverse effects of the application. Also requests information on the strategy of informing the public about the possible consequences of applying or not the vaccine.
Meanwhile health officials say the vaccine is safe and that all people of the risk groups mentioned in the decree must be applied.
"He has gone through numerous tests and have been vaccinated 35 million people in Europe and 200 million in the U.S., demonstrating the safety and few side effects, mostly mild and transient," said Maria Luisa Avila, Minister of Health.
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