Too good to not pass on...

Randi Airola
517-819-5926
----- Original Message -----
From: <VaFVIC@yahoogroups.com>
To: <VaFVIC@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 7:25 AM
Subject: [VaFVIC] Digest Number 394



There is 1 message in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

       1. Fwd: [PROVE] Ode to National Infant Immunization Week:  Stick It
            From: LSRandKCR@...


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
    Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 08:03:41 EDT
    From: LSRandKCR@...
Subject: Fwd: [PROVE] Ode to National Infant Immunization Week:  Stick It

In a message dated 4/29/2004 2:00:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
newsletter@... writes:

>
> [PROVE note: This poem is too good not to share.  It was written by a
parent
> fed up with the propaganda associated with National Infant Immunization
Week
> this week.  It is a great representation of the negative sentiment created
> by current vaccine policies.]
>
> Ode to National Infant Immunization Week:  Stick It
>    By Ana Phylaxis
>
> I actually don’t mind green eggs and ham.
> It’s vaccines I don’t like, Uncle Sam.
>
> Too many children have paid the price
> for harmful and deceptive immunization advice.[1]
>
> There is more to health than preventing infections
> with dozens of toxic and dangerous injections.
>
> You purposefully ignore all of the parents’ cries
> that autism, asthma and diabetes continue to rise. [2]
>
> Since the word “safe” implies “free from harm”,
> I’ll choose what’s injected into my child’s arm.
>
> I do not want them up my nose, [3]
> or spliced into my potatoes. [4]
>
> I will not drink them in a glass. [5]
> I will not let you stick my @$$. [6]
>
> I do not want them for any reason;
> not even in your “worst” flu season. [7]
>
> For decades now you’ve been trying to hide,
> the dangers of mercury and formaldehyde. [8]
>
> You won’t do the research to try to explain
> why vaccines sometime ruin a developing brain. [9]
>
> Yet you tell us to just say no to drugs,
> but if we question a shot you act like thugs.[10]
>
> Are injected monkey and fetal cells really healthy?
> Or are they part of the scam that makes drug companies wealthy? [11]
>
> When you ‘all lay down tonight to say your prayers,
> please include all the vaccine victims listed in VAERs. [12]
>
>
> [1] National Vaccine Information Center –
> http://nvic.org
> [2] Autism in the United States: a Perspective -
> http://www.jpands.org/vol8no4/yazbak.pdf
> [3] The Risks of FluMist Vaccine -
> http://www.mercola.com/2003/oct/4/flumist_vaccine.htm
> [4] The Evolution of Vaccines under “Edible Vaccines” -
> http://www.cdc.gov/nip/dev/evolution.htm
> [5] Drinkable Vaccine for Cholera and Traveler’s Diarrhea -
>
http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/2003/February/PowderJectReceives26.htm
> [6] Recommended Sites for Simultaneous Vaccine Administration -
> http://www.ohd.hr.state.or.us/imm/provider/mso/sites2002.pdf
> [7] Health Hype: What Ever Happened to the Flu Scare -
> http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/US/flu_hype_040302.html
> [8] Toxic Tipping Point –
> http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2004/03/02_354.html
> [9] http://www.autismautoimmunityproject.org/ and http://www.safeminds.org
> [10] The Erosion of Public Trust &Informed Consent through Immunization
> Harassment, Discrimination and Coercion –
> http://www.vaccineinfo.net/harassment/report.pdf
> [11] The Lethal Dangers of the Billion-Dollar Vaccine Business
> www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/May2001/MoneyMag.htm
> [12] The FDA and CDC’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System –
> http://www.vaers.org/ and to search it link to:
> http://www.sarasotalaw.com/data/vax_search.php
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> Dawn Richardson
> PROVE(Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education)
> prove@... (email)
> http://vaccineinfo.net/ (web site)
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> PROVE provides information on vaccines, and immunization policies and
> practices that affect the children and adults of Texas.  Our mission is to
prevent
> vaccine injury and death and to promote and protect the right of every
person
> to make informed independent vaccination decisions for themselves and
their
> family.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> This information is not to be construed as medical OR legal advice.
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> Subscribe to PROVE Email Updates:
>   http://vaccineinfo.net/subscribe.htm
> Tell a Friend about PROVE:
>   http://vaccineinfo.net/subscribe/friends.shtml
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> Removal from PROVE Email Updates:
> Click here: http://vaccineinfo.net/unsubscribe.htm
> You are currently subscribed as lisa@...
> .
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>



[This message contained attachments]



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-------- Original Message --------
[PROVE note: This article appeared on the front page of the sports
section of the Austin paper on National Autism Awareness Day which just
so happens to be in the middle of National Infant Immunization Week.  If
you have a child with vaccine induced autism, please consider taking the
time to thank the Statesman for running this story and take a few lines
to talk about your child and the impact on your family. Letters to the
editor can be addressed to letters@.... Letters to the author
can be sent to kbohls@....

'He steadfastly blames most autism cases on the use of the highly toxic
mercury in vaccines and the growing increase of unnecessary vaccinations
in small children... Like Rimland, the Swindells blame early vaccines
loaded with arsenic and other potentially harmful elements like mercury,
although many in the medical community have dismissed the controversial
theory, and Moore said genetics, food preservatives, drugs and
environmental toxins could be contributing factors. "There's just
something wrong," Sarah said. "A baby's normal, then he isn't normal.
I've never heard of that." ']


http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/auto/epaper/editions/tuesday/spo
rts_04e85058e3a3116800f6.html

Commentary: Kirk Bohls

Raising a son with autism has made Greg and Sarah Swindell stronger
parents and a stronger voice for awareness


AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

In the biggest baseball game of his life, Greg Swindell never threw a
pitch. Not an official one anyway. Oh, he warmed up three times in the
Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen, but he never got the call.

Still, after 15 major-league seasons with seven different teams, the
left-handed pitcher felt a rush of joy like never before as he watched
Jay Bell cross home plate in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2001
World Series.

So did his wife, Sarah, who rejoiced in the section reserved for the
players' wives behind home plate, as she jubilantly hugged Christine
Gonzalez, whose husband, Luis, had just singled in the Series-winning
run against the New York Yankees.

The party on that magical November night in 2001 spilled over from Bank
One Ballpark to a restaurant next door, where the Swindells and the rest
of the Diamondbacks laughed and toasted and gave sunrise a run for its
money. They even did a radio show interview at 4 in the morning.

"We were definitely on top of the world," Sarah said. "Life didn't get
any better."

Just 10 months later, the Austin couple felt their world was crashing in
on top of them. When Sarah returned to her Arizona home from a baseball
road trip the following August, she expected to be greeted with hugs and
kisses from her four children. She received them from only three --
daughters Hayley, Brenna and Sophia.

Dawson, then 18 months old, just stared at his mother with a blank look.

Dawson, you need to know, had been the delight of his parents' lives. He
began walking and talking on schedule. His first word was "juice." They
still have videos that show him giggling and playing with his sisters
and pulling on his uncle's beard. Dawson has always been docile, but
couldn't have been more normal in appearance or behavior. Greg's college
teammate, Texas State Coach Ty Harrington, had promised Dawson a full
baseball scholarship.

Life was good. The Swindells had longed for a boy and felt things
couldn't have been any more perfect since Dawson arrived on Feb. 4,
2001.

It was only when he began suffering an inordinate number of ear
infections, and began to react a little oddly, that they took notice. He
wasn't making as much eye contact anymore. He started flapping his hands
repeatedly. He'd rock back and forth and pound the dinner table
incessantly.

When he'd see a book or a wheel, he'd examine it, turn it over, inspect
it for hours. An engineer-in-training, maybe. Greg and Sarah began to
jokingly call him "Rainman."

All the while, however, "a little voice said this was weird," Sarah
said.

But it wasn't until the day Dawson didn't even recognize her when she
returned from that August road trip that she became truly alarmed. So
she began wading through Internet medical jargon until she came across a
Web site listing the warning signs for autism, a biological brain
disorder. Dawson had every single one. And Sarah broke down.

She immediately phoned Greg at the ballpark. The Diamondbacks' trainer
told them that a pediatrician just happened to be a guest of the owner
that night. Sarah sped to the stadium.

The doctor calmed their fears but advised them to consult a specialist.
The next day, a Phoenix developmental pediatrician examined Dawson for
an hour, then rearranged their lives forever.

Dawson was, indeed, autistic. The words froze in mid-air.

Dawson would never go to college. He would never marry. He would never
have friends. He would never live an ordinary life. Never, never, never.

Livid over not only the diagnosis, but also the doctor's perfunctory
manner that had been delivered with an unaffected smile, Greg grabbed
his son and stormed to his car. A tearful Sarah stayed behind, listening
to the doctor for another hour.

That was Aug. 29, 2002.

"It was like the day he died," Sarah said.

And so Greg and Sarah's endless journey began, a trail of 18 tumultuous
months that have taken them on an emotionally draining ride that has
simultaneously devastated and empowered them. Since that initial
diagnosis, Swindell -- the strong, healthy 39-year-old former University
of Texas three-time All-American -- and his slender, outgoing
34-year-old wife have become self-made experts on the mental disability
that inexplicably renders its victims incapable of the simplest of tasks
and social skills.

Less than two years ago, they knew absolutely nothing about autism.
Today, on National Autism Awareness Day, they know that it affects what
one research institute says is one in only 160 births, though the
Centers for Disease Control places it at between two and six per 1,000
births in this country. Autism currently affects more than 400,000
Americans.

"There's no question that it's on the rise," said Dr. Bernard Rimland of
the Autism Research Institute in San Diego. "The end result is we have a
nation full of disabled children. Even if it's cleared up now, and the
government shows no signs of wanting to do it, our country has incurred
enormous expenses."

Rimland, who has a son who was diagnosed with the condition in 1956,
wrote in a national newsletter as far back as in 1995 that autism had
reached epidemic proportions, a claim one critic decried as "rubbish."

He steadfastly blames most autism cases on the use of the highly toxic
mercury in vaccines and the growing increase of unnecessary vaccinations
in small children. The Swindells agree, in part because Dawson had
undergone as many as 21 vaccinations before his second birthday. Two
years ago, the state of California vetoed a measure that would have
mandated 36 vaccinations for children, Rimland said.

The Swindells consulted experts. They had Dawson's ears checked, praying
he was only deaf. He can hear fine. It's the processing department
that's on the fritz. They did the same for his vision. They took him to
Houston for electro-cardiograms, guarding against undiscovered seizures
since he can no longer speak.

They aggressively attacked every aspect of Dawson's dilemma. They
experimented with a special diet and used a personal chef who made
pancakes from scratch. They tried such bizarre remedies as an
electrified chair in which the patient is held upside down, and a $500
CD with special filtered music. They purchased a variety of miracle
creams and vitamins. Nothing worked.

"They prey on people," Greg said of those offering quick-fix remedies,
"because people are willing to try anything."

Together, the Swindells have become engrossed in the fight to expand
awareness of this disability that has no conclusive cause, no
universally accepted treatment and no cure. Greg has designed a purple,
puzzle-embossed lapel pin in honor of a month to raise awareness of the
disorder that 50 children are diagnosed with every day. Sarah wants to
form a support system for Austin families who have victims of autism.

They're not unlike thousands of others who are dealing with this
debilitating condition that attacks boys four to five times more often
than girls. Most parents with autistic children are not as famous or
well-heeled financially as the Swindells or Dan Marino and Doug Flutie
-- both of whom have autistic sons -- but deeper bank accounts don't
offer immunity from illness.

"I don't think people know that autism has reached epidemic
proportions," said Suzzanne Moore, co-founder of the 6-year-old
Moore-Weis Children's Center of Austin, which works with 14 autistic
children between the ages of 2 and 9. "It's definitely on the rise, but
it's not a national focus."

The fight to cope with the disease can be tremendously expensive. The
Swindells are spending up to $60,000 a year on Dawson, including $18,000
for one year's schooling at Moore-Weis. And they know they are more
fortunate than most because of Greg's lucrative playing career, which
officially ended last month when a groin injury curtailed his comeback
attempt to make the Kansas City Royals' roster out of spring training,
forcing him to return to a coaching role at Texas State.

"My son can't speak," Greg said. "We don't worry about 3-2 sliders any
more."

Like Rimland, the Swindells blame early vaccines loaded with arsenic and
other potentially harmful elements like mercury, although many in the
medical community have dismissed the controversial theory, and Moore
said genetics, food preservatives, drugs and environmental toxins could
be contributing factors.

"There's just something wrong," Sarah said. "A baby's normal, then he
isn't normal. I've never heard of that."

They enrolled Dawson in the small West Austin home that houses the
Moore-Weis school, which employs a speech therapist and occupational
therapist. There, they go on field trips to parks and grocery stores and
teach life skills using behavior-training methods like the Picture
Exchange Communication System as substitutes for desired behavior.

"We teach a child that if he wants juice," Moore said, "he takes a
picture of juice on the refrigerator and gives it to the parent."

Dawson used to be able to say "juice," but he hasn't spoken in two
years. He does make better eye contact since enrolling at the school. He
still babbles his nonsensical chatter. He'll offer a high-five to his
parents and pucker for a tender kiss. He knows the meaning of "no." And
if someone says the word "outside," Dawson heads to the door.

But he can't jump on the enclosed trampoline in the back yard of the
5,600-square-foot home in southwest Austin that the Swindells are
selling in order to move to a West Austin neighborhood that has more
kids. He ignores Blossom, their new calico kitten with the short legs.
He doesn't play with any of the Mark Grace or Steve Finley bobblehead
dolls in his room, where he still sleeps in a crib.

And he can't use his left hand at all.

"Now that's a shame," said Greg, the best left-hander in Longhorns
history.

Dawson's condition is not as extreme as that of many autistic children.
He sleeps up to 12 hours a night. Once he finds his "happy spot" in the
playroom or the trampoline, he's satisfied to sit there for hours. His
parents cheered when he broke an antique ashtray.

Unlike an autistic child the Swindells knew in Arizona who would eat
nothing but toast with almond butter for every meal, no one's easier to
cook for than Dawson. He eats only french fries, noodles and dry cereal.
Sarah good-naturedly calls it "the beige diet."

It's been a test of wills for this well-adjusted couple that eloped 11
years ago and wed the night before Greg pitched in a 10 a.m. spring
training game for the Houston Astros.

Sarah has left full grocery carts when a tantrum by Dawson sent her
bolting from the store. The last time she went to McDonald's, while she
was digging in her purse to pay, Dawson wandered off to eat french fries
off the table of two dazed construction workers. Greg jokes he'd like to
get Dawson a jacket stitched with "Autism in training" for strangers who
wonder why the precious little child with the short hair and the long
eyelashes doesn't respond to their greetings.

But they're adapting. They don't know Dawson's future. Sarah wonders
aloud if he'll be a sacker in a grocery store someday, and it scares
her. For now, they'll take any progress they get. A toss of a baseball.
A smile. A tender look from his sweet brown eyes into theirs.

They always wanted a boy to go with their three healthy girls, and they
love the one they got. Dawson's sisters love him too. Nine-year-old
Brenna says she wants to be a therapist someday, and marry someone who's
autistic.

The Swindells look at the day they learned about Dawson's disability
much differently now, more through the cleansing prism of experience and
knowledge and love, and less one of fear and quiet desperation.

They've changed, they'll tell you, all for the better since that August
day in the doctor's office two years ago.

"That was the best, worst day of our life," Greg said. "Because it woke
us up. But I'm at peace."

kbohls@...



AUTISM'S WARNING SIGNS

Remember, you know your child better than anyone else. If you suspect
something may not be right, have your child see a pediatrician. Early
intervention is critical.

Here are some warning signs to look for:

* The child doesn't respond to his or her name.

* The child cannot explain what he or she wants.

* Language skills or speech is delayed. And at times, the child seems
deaf.

* The child has odd movement patterns, does not know how to play with
toys, or does not smile when he or she is smiled at.

* The child prefers to play alone, is not interested in other children,
or seems to be in his or her "own world."

* The child shows an unusual attachment to toys, objects or schedules.

* The child seems to tune people out.

SOURCE: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development


-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn Richardson
PROVE(Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education)
prove@... (email)
http://vaccineinfo.net/ (web site)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVE provides information on vaccines, and immunization policies and
practices that affect the children and adults of Texas.  Our mission is
to prevent vaccine injury and death and to promote and protect the right
of every person to make informed independent vaccination decisions for
themselves and their family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This information is not to be construed as medical OR legal advice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to PROVE Email Updates:
      http://vaccineinfo.net/subscribe.htm
Tell a Friend about PROVE:
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With the recent scuttlebutt on the FDA's failure to protect the public from
the dangerous side effects of anti-depressants, I thought I'd pass the
following along:  April 14, 2004

The good news is one may not be depressed

The bad news is, is while one may not be depressed, one may have
"Potentially irreversible tardive dyskinesia, characterized by repetitive,
involuntary, purposeless movements; fatal neuroleptic malignant syndrome;
and extreme hyperglycemic episodes; Edema; increased appetite, daytime
fatigue, tremor, and weight gain

http://nsweb.nursingspectrum.com/NurseNewsEzine/DrugNews/item.cfm?ID=94

FDA Approves Bipolar Depression Med

Bipolar depression presents a prescribing dilemma because the use of
antidepressants alone may exaggerate the manic phase of the illness. For
years, specialists have treated the disorder with varied combinations of
antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications primarily indicated for
seizure disorder.

Olanzapine and fluoxetine HCL (Symbyax), recently approved by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), is the first bipolar depression medication
affording the synergistic effect of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic
in a single pill. It is available in four different strengths and should be
taken in the evening.

Each component drug in Symbyax has adverse effects that when combined can
make it intolerable for some patients. Potentially irreversible tardive
dyskinesia, characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements;
fatal neuroleptic malignant syndrome; and extreme hyperglycemic episodes are
the three most serious adverse events associated with olanzapine use.
Abnormal bleeding, especially when combining fluoxetine with nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs or aspirin, has also been reported. Patients should
be warned about the potential for hypotensive episodes as their body adjusts
to the new medication.

Edema, increased appetite, daytime fatigue, tremor, and weight gain are the
most disturbing adverse effects patients are likely to report. Typically,
the lowest dose will be prescribed and titrated up to afford remission of
depression and in response to patient symptoms and tolerability. Some
patients, including the elderly, females, and those with hepatic impairment,
may metabolize Symbyax more slowly.

Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not take
Symbyax, and considerable "wash-out" periods are advised. At least 14 days
must pass between the last MAOI dose and the first dose of Symbyax. Because
of slow systemic clearance of fluoxetine, at least five weeks must pass
between the last dose of Symbyax and first dose of an MAOI.

Encourage patience - while the olanzapine in Symbyax can reach a steady and
therapeutic state in about a week, the fluoxetine may take up to two months
to work.

Sexually active patients may experience a loss of libido. Some may be
reluctant to share this information and consequently may discontinue
medication on their own. Caution patients against stopping Symbyax abruptly,
especially at higher dosages, as they may experience an SSRI withdrawal
syndrome. Discontinuation may require slowly tapering down with the
single-agent fluoxetine.

The adverse effect profile, the need for both drugs to be hepatically
cleared, and the potential for drug-drug interactions should prompt nurses
to encourage patients not to take any new medication or herbal supplement
without discussing it with their primary care provider.

Randi Airola
517-819-5926

E-NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER
Vienna, Virginia            http://www.nvic.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
      UNITED WAY/COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
                   #9119
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Protecting the health and informed consent rights of children since 1982."

================================================================================\
==========


Source: UnlockingAutism.org

The RSVPs are starting to roll in!
Thirty Four Congressional Offices to be in Attendance!

The following Members of Congress have confirmed that they themselves,
and/or members of their staff, will be attending this year's Power of 1.5
Political Autism Conference kick off reception to be held in Washington, DC
on April 21, 2004, immediately following the Press Conference on Capitol
Hill.

Sponsored by the Dan Marino Foundation and Unlocking Autism, the reception
will provide ordinary members of the autism community with the opportunity
to discuss the issues of autism with Congressional Leaders in a casual
atmosphere.

If your Congressman or Senator will be there to represent your state, will
someone from your state be there to greet them and let them know that
issues
back home are mounting?

We will keep you updated as more Members of Congress respond!

It is not too late to register for this event.
Do it today by visiting www.unlockingautism.org.

Be a leader.  Make a difference.
The staff of Unlocking Autism

Unlocking Autism and the Dan Marino Foundation are proud to announce that
the following Members of Congress have RSVPd to attend the Power of 1.5
Opening Reception!

   >From the Senate:

Senator Daniel K. Akaka from Hawaii (*)

Senator Christopher Bond from Missouri(*)

Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas

Senator Saxby Chambliss from Georgia

Senator Peter Fitzgerald from Illinois

Senator James Inhofe from Oklahoma

Senator Paul Sarbanes from Maryland

Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan

   >From the House of Representatives:

Congresswoman Mary Bono from California

Congressman Henry Brown, Jr. from South Carolina (*)

Congressman Max Burns from Georgia

Congressman Dan Burton from Indiana

Congresswoman Julia Carson from Indiana

Congressman Steve Chabot from Ohio

Congressman Ander Crenshaw from Florida

Congressman Jim Davis from Florida

Congressman Mike Doyle from Pennsylvania

Congressman Jeff Flake from Arizona

Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey

Congressman Mark Foley from Florida

Congressman Scott Garret from New Jersey

Congressman Phil Gingrey from Georgia

Congressman Bob Goodlatte from Virginia

Congressman Sam Graves from Missouri

Congressman Gene Green from Texas

Congressman William Jenkins from Tennessee

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones from Ohio

Congressman Ken Lucas from Kentucky

Congrssman Max Sandlin from Texas

Congressman Edward L. Schrock from Virginia

Congressman Vic Snyder from Arkansas

Congressman John Sullivan from Oklahoma

Congressman Dave Weldon from Florida

Congresswoman Diane Watson from California

The following states have no one registered
to represent them at this event.

AL, AK, CO, DE, DC, (*)HI, ID, IA, MS, (*)MO
MT, NE, NV,NH, ND, OK, RI, (*)SC, SD, VT, WY

It is not too late to register visit www.unlockingautism.org .


=============================================
News@... is a free service of the National Vaccine Information
Center and is supported through membership donations.  Learn more about
vaccines, diseases and how to protect your informed
consent rights http://www.nvic.org

Become a member and support NVIC's work  https://www.909shot.com/order.htm

To sign up for a free e-mail subscription http://www.nvic.org/emaillist.htm

NVIC is funded through individual membership donations and does not
receive government funding. Barbara Loe Fisher, President and Co-founder.

FYI

Randi Airola
517-819-5926
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randi Airola" <rairola@...>
To: <randice@...>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004 1:01 PM
Subject: FW: NJ 2003/2004 figures for Autism---IDEA, ages 6-21---Dave Weldon
at DAN conference




-----Original Message-----
From: Raymond Gallup [mailto:truegrit@...]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004 11:41 AM


I had emailed the latest figures to Congressman Dave Weldon's office on
April 13, 2004 (per below)and on
Friday, April 16, 2004, Congressman Dave Weldon mentioned the 2002/2003
and 2003/2004 NJ
figures at the DAN conference in McLean, VA. CBS TV interviewed him
afterwards and were there
on Sunday, April 18, 2004 to hear Andrew Wakefield, MD (and captured the

audience as well).

Bernard Rimland (http://www.autism.com/ari/) asked the audience to stand

if they had children/adults affected
by autism......nearly most of the room stood up. Then he asked those
that were standing if they felt a vaccine/
vaccines caused their child's autism to raise their hands.......nearly
95% or more raised their hands. Then he asked
if parents had evidence like tests or videos that showed that there was
a vaccine link to wave their hands.....nearly
90% waved their hands....it was caught on camera by the CBS TV
camera-man and BBC TV camera-lady.

I don't know when the CBS TV and BBC TV will air these programs, but
will pass it on when I do.

I was interviewed by the BBC TV people regarding the story of my son,
Eric who was damaged by the MMR
vaccine and mentioned the shameful treatment given to Dr. Andrew
Wakefield because he has dared to be
truthful in his research. I also interviewed with the ARI camera people
for a videotape they are doing on parents stories.
In both cases I had a hard time not being a bit emotional regarding Eric

and Andrew Wakefield.

I understand that there will be a piece on the increase of autism on the

NBC TV news at 6:30PM  EST  on Tom Brokaw
Nightly News, Monday, April 19, 2004.

Ray Gallup, parent and Founder of TAAP
truegrit@...
http://autismautoimmunityproject.org/

>
>
> For the year 2003/2004, the New Jersey figures for autism on ages 6-21

> is 4,933.
>
> Year                    NJ  Total             Increase        US, PR
> and DC Total       Increase
> 2003/2004             4,933                  753              not
> available until October 2004
>
> 2002/2003              4,180                  654
> 118,602                      20,755
>
> 2001/2002               3,526                  601
> 97,847                     19,130
>
> 2000/2001
> 2,925                                           78,717
>
>
> References:
>
> 2000/2001     http://www.ideadata.org/tables24th%5Car_aa3.htm
>
> 2001/2002     http://www.ideadata.org/tables25th%5Car_aa3.htm
>
> 2002/2003     http://www.ideadata.org/tables26th%5Car_aa3.htm
>
> 2003/2004     http://www.ideadata.org/tables27th%5Car_aa3.htm
>

Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2004 13:45:22 -0400
From: JWR_Editor-in-Chief
To: jwr-today@...
Subject: **VERY** IMPT. MESSAGE FROM JWR's PUBLISHER!


Dearest readers:

I usually limit these messages to one a day. I'm making an exception
in this case.

On March 31, I included a message atop the daily update about a
young mother of 5 -- ages 4-14 -- that is in DIRE need of a double
lung transplant. She is a neighbor of mine.

Numerous readers have continued to inquire about her situation.

While doctors are often wrong about these sorts of things, they are
now giving her about 48 hours to live.

PLEASE read the info that follows below just in case there is
SOMETHING you can do.

(Prayers are priceless and if you have a spare moment PLEASE pray
for her as �Naava bas [daughter of] Frumah Leah�)

Naava Katlowitz is blood type AB+, and a Universal Acceptor. The
donor, a patient who is declared legally dead but currently on life
support, must be within four flying hours of Pittsburgh.

Individuals who suffered a traumatic head injury fit this criteria
best.

If you know ANYBODY who might come in contact with these sorts of
patients, PLEASE contact them IMMEDIATELY.

If you personally know anybody who could be a potential donor,
PLEASE call 1-800-728-3254 (800) SAVE-A-LIFE or email
savemymommyslife@...

THANKS for taking the time to read and SPREAD this MESSAGE
in any way you can! (If, Heaven forbid, we were in this situation,
we would want everything to be done for us!)

Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
Editor in Chief
JewishWorldReview.com

Ron,� The day after that "A shot in the arm"�article was in the�Post-Dispatch I called MCCFHC to get their opinion. Cindy hadn't seen it but got on the web-site in the "Health & Fitness" section & got it to our web-site. I was so frustrated about the content, I contacted Harry Jackson Jr. the reporter. He very graciously responded. �He said while working on the article, he found it impossible to find a credible person or agency to respond to "what the doctors said." I gave him the NVIC.org site & phone number in Vienna, VA. I had called�there first �& was told they probably would be able to set up an interview with Barbara Loe Fisher. I also contacted Dr. Alan Clark, who's name I got off the NVIC web-site from April 01,2004. ( I don't remember seeing it on our local web-site)��He & his wife Lujene ( who's son Devon is autistic)�had been to a four day Washington D.C.�meeting to ban mercury-based preservatives in childhood vaccines. He was more than happy to call�Harry Jackson at the Post.�The Clarks�have a web-site...www.nomercury.org.�� I hope our readers visit it. I also mailed Harry Jackson a copy of "�What your�Doctor may NOT tell You About Children's Vaccinations."�which we've all probably read.�After gathering� the information he was not able to find before the article, I hope Harry will print another�view in the Post-Dispatch. ��Ann Conn..Sparta,IL.� gmaann@...�----- Original Message -----

From: Ron Calzone

To: MCCFHC@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 6:54 AM

Subject: Re: [MCC-FHC] [StL Post] A shot in the arm .....

Friends,

Please notice the insidious nature of this article. The fourth paragraph lists influenza along with the childhood diseases for which vaccines are already required.� Federal agencies have already issued recommendation that all children be vaccinated with "the flu vaccine" each year.

This article is posturing for the push to mandate the flu vaccine.

What's more, it is posturing for removing the exemptions we already have.

The bill in the Missouri legislature referred to in the article is not going anywhere this session - this article is not about that bill!

We need to flood the Post with letters.� Get the facts out:

- The issue is not "vaccines", it's "mandated vaccines".� All we want is "informed choice".
- We can't compare what's happening in third word countries, where they still live among raw sewage with the United States
- We need to evaluate the TOTAL HEALTH of Americans, not just the incidence of the diseases vaccinated for.� (e.g. autism, asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Point out that we haven't had the sorts of epidemics the article predicts for chickenpox and flu

Folks, don't feel too comfortable if you are homeschooling or have taken a religious exemption - they want every man, woman, and child vaccinated with as many vaccines as possible.� Send letters to Senator's Loudon, Steelman, and Doland, thanking them for their vigilance. Write letters to other state legislators to encourage them to look into both sides of the issue.

"Don't ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."

- Ron

List of MO representatives: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills041/member/memmail.htm
List of MO senators: http://www.senate.state.mo.us/04info/senalpha.htm

Senator John Loudon
State Capitol Building
Room� 332
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

Senator Sarah Steelman
State Capitol Building
Room 422
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

Senator� Jon Dolan
State Capitol Building
Room 428
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101


MCC-FHC wrote:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/Stories.nsf/Life+%26+Style/Health+%26+Fitness/6D447E19E0D9CD6786256E6F00375E1F?OpenDocument&Headline=A+shot+in+the+arm+.....+
A shot in the arm .....
By Harry Jackson
Published: Monday, Apr. 12 2004
Picture living in a world like this one:
It's a world of about 900,000 new infections from six deadly diseases every
year. Of those, 24,000 people die each year. An additional 62,000 suffer
permanent injuries such as deafness, blindness, mental retardation and
paralysis.
It's a world where a little boy leaves kindergarten and returns months
later wearing leg braces or crutches; it's a bright little girl whose brain is
burned by fever and can never take her to the heights her parents hoped for. Or
maybe it's a world where schools close because of the scourge, and when they
reopen, a couple of children never return.
The culprits? Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, influenza.

Opinions expressed on this email loop are not necessarily
endorsed by MCC-FHC, but are shared with list members
because of their educational or informational content.

***************************************************************
Missouri Citizens' Coalition for Freedom in Health Care
P.O. Box 190318
St. Louis, MO�� 63119-0318
314-968-8755, Fax-270-569-8767
http://MCC-FHC.org

Feel free to contribute to this list by sending email to: MCCFHC@yahoogroups.com
List archives available at:� http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCCFHC/messages

To change your subscription to this list visit YahooGroups on the web at http://groups.yahoo.com
To unsubscribe from this list send a blank e-mail to:
MCCFHC-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Too much mail but don't want to miss important alerts, meeting notices, or the MCC-FHC Newsletter? Then subscribe to MCCFHCNews instead of the full MCCFHC e-mail community! Simply send a blank email to MCCFHCNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
***************************************************************



Opinions expressed on this email loop are not necessarily
endorsed by MCC-FHC, but are shared with list members
because of their educational or informational content.

***************************************************************
Missouri Citizens' Coalition for Freedom in Health Care
P.O. Box 190318
St. Louis, MO�� 63119-0318
314-968-8755, Fax-270-569-8767
http://MCC-FHC.org

Feel free to contribute to this list by sending email to: MCCFHC@yahoogroups.com
List archives available at:� http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCCFHC/messages

To change your subscription to this list visit YahooGroups on the web at http://groups.yahoo.com
To unsubscribe from this list send a blank e-mail to:
MCCFHC-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Too much mail but don't want to miss important alerts, meeting notices, or the MCC-FHC Newsletter? Then subscribe to MCCFHCNews instead of the full MCCFHC e-mail community! Simply send a blank email to MCCFHCNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
***************************************************************

From: Ron Calzone

To: MCCFHC@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 6:54 AM

Subject: Re: [MCC-FHC] [StL Post] A shot in the arm .....

Friends,

Please notice the insidious nature of this article. The fourth paragraph lists influenza along with the childhood diseases for which vaccines are already required.  Federal agencies have already issued recommendation that all children be vaccinated with "the flu vaccine" each year.

This article is posturing for the push to mandate the flu vaccine.

What's more, it is posturing for removing the exemptions we already have.

The bill in the Missouri legislature referred to in the article is not going anywhere this session - this article is not about that bill!

We need to flood the Post with letters.  Get the facts out:

- The issue is not "vaccines", it's "mandated vaccines".  All we want is "informed choice".
- We can't compare what's happening in third word countries, where they still live among raw sewage with the United States
- We need to evaluate the TOTAL HEALTH of Americans, not just the incidence of the diseases vaccinated for.  (e.g. autism, asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Point out that we haven't had the sorts of epidemics the article predicts for chickenpox and flu

Folks, don't feel too comfortable if you are homeschooling or have taken a religious exemption - they want every man, woman, and child vaccinated with as many vaccines as possible.  Send letters to Senator's Loudon, Steelman, and Doland, thanking them for their vigilance. Write letters to other state legislators to encourage them to look into both sides of the issue.

"Don't ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."

- Ron

List of MO representatives: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills041/member/memmail.htm
List of MO senators: http://www.senate.state.mo.us/04info/senalpha.htm

Senator John Loudon
State Capitol Building
Room  332
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

Senator Sarah Steelman
State Capitol Building
Room 422
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

Senator  Jon Dolan
State Capitol Building
Room 428
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101


MCC-FHC wrote:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/Stories.nsf/Life+%26+Style/Health+%26+Fitness/6D447E19E0D9CD6786256E6F00375E1F?OpenDocument&Headline=A+shot+in+the+arm+.....+
A shot in the arm .....
By Harry Jackson
Published: Monday, Apr. 12 2004
Picture living in a world like this one:
It's a world of about 900,000 new infections from six deadly diseases every
year. Of those, 24,000 people die each year. An additional 62,000 suffer
permanent injuries such as deafness, blindness, mental retardation and
paralysis.
It's a world where a little boy leaves kindergarten and returns months
later wearing leg braces or crutches; it's a bright little girl whose brain is
burned by fever and can never take her to the heights her parents hoped for. Or
maybe it's a world where schools close because of the scourge, and when they
reopen, a couple of children never return.
The culprits? Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, influenza.

Opinions expressed on this email loop are not necessarily
endorsed by MCC-FHC, but are shared with list members
because of their educational or informational content.

***************************************************************
Missouri Citizens' Coalition for Freedom in Health Care
P.O. Box 190318
St. Louis, MO   63119-0318
314-968-8755, Fax-270-569-8767
http://MCC-FHC.org

Feel free to contribute to this list by sending email to: MCCFHC@yahoogroups.com
List archives available at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCCFHC/messages

To change your subscription to this list visit YahooGroups on the web at http://groups.yahoo.com
To unsubscribe from this list send a blank e-mail to:
MCCFHC-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Too much mail but don't want to miss important alerts, meeting notices, or the MCC-FHC Newsletter? Then subscribe to MCCFHCNews instead of the full MCCFHC e-mail community! Simply send a blank email to MCCFHCNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
***************************************************************

EssOils meeting, May 19/2004, Missouri


The following meeting is presented by April Travis, Wellness
Consultant/Spiritual Teacher, a Young Living Independent Distributor:

Developing Your Intuition and Spiritual Awareness with Essential Oils

May 19, 2004
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Whole Foods Market
1601 South Brentwood Boulevard
Brentwood, Missouri 314-968-7744

Cost: Free

Class sizes are limited, so please register early. You May
pre-register at the Customer Service desk in person or by calling
314-968-7744.

For more information, please contact April Travis at 636-536-4223,
atravis@... or visit http://www.angelfire.com/me/amcdonald

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/Stories.nsf/Life+%26+Style/Health+%26+Fitness/6D447E19E0D9CD6786256E6F00375E1F?OpenDocument&Headline=A+shot+in+the+arm+.....+
A shot in the arm .....
By Harry Jackson
Published: Monday, Apr. 12 2004
Picture living in a world like this one:
It's a world of about 900,000 new infections from six deadly diseases every
year. Of those, 24,000 people die each year. An additional 62,000 suffer
permanent injuries such as deafness, blindness, mental retardation and
paralysis.
It's a world where a little boy leaves kindergarten and returns months
later wearing leg braces or crutches; it's a bright little girl whose brain is
burned by fever and can never take her to the heights her parents hoped for. Or
maybe it's a world where schools close because of the scourge, and when they
reopen, a couple of children never return.
The culprits? Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, influenza.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/Stories.nsf/Life+%26+Style/Health+%26\
+Fitness/6D447E19E0D9CD6786256E6F00375E1F?OpenDocument&Headline=A+shot+in+the+ar\
m+.....+


A shot in the arm .....
By Harry Jackson
Published: Monday, Apr. 12 2004

Picture living in a world like this one:

It's a world of about 900,000 new infections from six deadly diseases every
year. Of those, 24,000 people die each year. An additional 62,000 suffer
permanent injuries such as deafness, blindness, mental retardation and
paralysis.

It's a world where a little boy leaves kindergarten and returns months
later
wearing leg braces or crutches; it's a bright little girl whose brain is
burned
by fever and can never take her to the heights her parents hoped for. Or
maybe
it's a world where schools close because of the scourge, and when they
reopen,
a couple of children never return.

The culprits? Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, influenza.

"Those are conservative estimates," said Dr. Alexis Elward, a
pediatrician and
researcher at St. Louis Children's Hospital, referring to the numbers
mentioned
above. "And most of the victims are children."

Frightening? That was America's reality until the mid-1960s before
the use of vaccines to immunize people from what used to be common
childhood
diseases.

And that's why doctors and researchers fear efforts to change rules on
mandatory vaccinations against childhood disease.

"I think that's a very misguided move," said Dr. Ken Haller, an assistant
professor of pediatrics at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Numerous
studies endorsed by health-monitoring agencies prove that the vaccines are
effective, and that "you can't get disease from the vaccine," he said.
"I think
there are times people need to look at the evidence rather than look at
superstition."


The debate

A bill circulating in the Missouri Senate would make childhood
immunizations
optional. Parents could choose to not have their children vaccinated for
philosophical reasons.

Currently, Missouri law allows parents to refuse vaccinations for
religious and
medical reasons. Those regulations are standardized across the country,
including in Illinois, where there's no similar debate under way. Texas has
even dropped its religious exemption.

The antivaccination movement that has been growing in recent years stems
primarily from parents of children with autism. The parents increasingly
blame
the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) for causing their children's
condition. Others fear side effects from vaccines such as the whooping
cough
inoculation, which at one time caused flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases,
whooping cough. Others fear allergic reactions to vaccines.

Lawmakers pushing the Missouri bill say they're confident such a change
would
not increase the rate of disease.

The Senate bill would broaden exemptions substantially, potentially
allowing
hundreds of families in the state to refuse vaccinations for their
children.
Parents could seek an exemption by submitting a notarized letter
spelling out
their concerns.

Currently state law gives parents little choice; children must prove
they've
had a set of mandatory immunizations before they can enter school.

Overwhelmingly, the health community opposes relaxation of immunization
laws.
Health officials say even small communities of unvaccinated children
could pose
an array of dangers, even to vaccinated children.


The consequences

If vaccinations became optional, the old days of epidemics would return "in
less than two years," predicted Dr. Robert Belshe of St. Louis University
Hospital. Belshe is division director of infectious diseases and
director of
the Center for Vaccine Development for the hospital.

"Within a very short time, we'd have major epidemics of those old-time
diseases," he said. "The major problems would be for the young children
who'd
have no immunity memory - no vaccinations."

Belshe has written to the Missouri Legislature about his reservations. The
proof is out there, he says.

"When the USSR collapsed, they were unable to make enough vaccine for their
children," he said. "In just a very few years, there were massive
epidemics of
diphtheria all across the old USSR.

"The European community started shipping lots of diphtheria vaccine because
those (infected) were their neighbors. It was coming to them."

Belshe pointed to another area of the world, Nigeria. There, Muslim
religious
leaders have told their followers to refuse the oral polio vaccine
because it's
an American plot to infect the people with HIV and sterilize the women.
Christians are taking the vaccine. With the unvaccinated minority, polio
has
re-emerged as a health problem, paralyzing children in the region.

While the problem started in Nigeria, it has spread to as many as 10
countries.
The World Health Organization is trying to persuade the religious
leaders to
lift their prohibitions.


Close to home

Even in the United States, whooping cough has been on the rise because
parents
feared side effects of the vaccinations. However, most known side effects -
symptoms similar to influenza and irritability - aren't nearly as deadly
or as
injurious as the disease, doctors say.

Doctors want to get the word out that the new whooping cough vaccine
doesn't
have the side effects of the old vaccine.

Even with side effects, the vaccine was better than no vaccine, they
say. Two
percent of children who get whooping cough die. Two-thirds become
seriously ill
and must be hospitalized.

Still, an increase in whooping cough cases shows too many parents remain
skeptical. National figures show that in 2002, the most current year
with full
statistics, 9,771 cases of whooping cough were reported to the Centers for
Disease Control, the most since 1964. Fifteen children died of
complications;
most had not been vaccinated.


Reservoirs of disease

People not immunized would primarily put infants at risk, Belshe said.

"We have a million children born every year in the United States. So in two
years, there'd be 2 million children susceptible to these old-time
illnesses,"
Belshe said. "We'd have waves of measles, polio, diphtheria sweeping
around the
country."

That's why Belshe says public policy is needed to ensure people get their
children immunized, not leave loopholes. It's the state's job to police
group
health, he said.

"It's a societal need to protect itself from these infections," he says.
"So
it's society's choice to require immunization against these deadly
diseases."

As of now, Missouri law requires that children be inoculated against a
set of
contagions in order to enter a public school. The inoculations begin at 6
months old. Some are one-shot immunizations, others work best with a
series of
booster shots.

The diseases include whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps,
rubella,
hepatitis and diphtheria. State law requires that in the 2005-06 school
year,
chickenpox vaccinations be added.

Regardless of how few children opt out of immunizations, "The more
transmissible a virus, the fewer people you need to have an epidemic,"
Belshe
said.

Measles, for example, may be the most transmissible disease around. "It
doesn't
take a large population of susceptible people for measles to cause an
epidemic," he said. "Children die of measles. It's not just a red rash.
It's a
fatal disease in a significant number of children."

According to WHO, measles killed 614,000 children worldwide in 2002.


Dangers stalking


"Vaccines are a victim of their own success," said Haller of Glennon
Hospital.
"They've been so successful for 50 years at reducing rates of
life-threatening
illness that there are two generations of parents out there who've never
seen
how bad pertusis (whooping cough) is, never seen how bad tetanus is, or
even
measles. But they haven't gone away. They're still out there."

Elward of Children's Hospital used measles as an example of what can happen
when vaccinations slack off.

In the 1960s, the United States recorded about 400,000 cases a year,
"Although
that probably was under-reported, because just about everybody got
measles,"
Elward said.

That resulted in 800 deaths a year and about 400 people with deafness or
mental
retardation.

Cases dropped to about 3,700 in the mid-'80s after mandatory
vaccinations. But
people got lax because no one was seeing outbreaks. Then, "We had
outbreaks in
the late '80s and early '90s associated with lower rates of
vaccination," she
said. "And the rates went back up to about 55,000 cases per year during
those
outbreaks.

"It's a clear pattern that we see when the vaccination rates fall. "Then we
have outbreaks and epidemics, and we have more cases and more deaths."

Haller sees problems even closer to home if vaccinations become optional.
Already, with the fear of side effects from the whooping cough vaccine,
"We had
twice as many admissions for pertussis in Cardinal Glennon in 2003 as in
2002.
One of the reasons is because of kids who have not been vaccinated. There's
been a lot of parents wary of vaccines because of misinformation they
get off
the Internet.

"That was really something that was part of a nationwide trend. It seems
that
as more and more people are deciding not to get their children
vaccinated, it
puts more and more kids at risk.

While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, children who haven't been
vaccinated
raise the risk of children who have, he said.

What's ahead

Doctors and researchers agree that the development of more vaccines
means more
diseases will bite the dust.

"We'll see a continuing improvement of the quality of life," Belshe
said, "and
an improvement in the longevity. Reducing infections has been the single
biggest (contribution) to increasing people's life spans.

"We've eliminated (these diseases) in the United States. We have no more
polio.
We've eliminated smallpox worldwide. We've significantly reduced measles,
hepatitis, tetanus, diphtheria. They're almost nonexistent in countries
that
use these vaccines."

But that doesn't mean we can relax, he said.

"With world travel today, you can be anywhere else in the world within 24
hours. And that means infection from anywhere else in the world can be
here in
24 hours."

This story includes information from the Post-Dispatch archives and Web
sites from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American
Academy of Pediatrics.

Reporter Harry Jackson Jr.
E-mail: hjaxson@...
Phone: 314-340-8234

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/emaf.nsf/Popup?ReadForm&db=stltoday%5Clifestyle\
%5Cstories.nsf&docid=6D447E19E0D9CD6786256E6F00375E1F

<<<<<In recent months, small mercury spills resulted in the evacuation and
cleanup of several schools. In January, for example, a middle school in
Reno
was shut down for eight days of extensive decontamination after mercury
spilled on a school bus was tracked inside by students.>>>>>>

It is interesting that they are so concerned about this form of mercury and
not so concerned about what is put into our mouths in silver fillings and
injected into our bodies with vaccines.

Our wacky Jr.High science teacher in the mid 1970s, sent everyone in my
sister's class home with little vials of mercury, in order to explore the
properties of the liquid metal. We were given no cautions and had such fun
placing it in the palms of our hands and rolling it around. Our mom was a
bit dubious, as she knew mercury to be a poison, but I'm sure that she had
no clue as to the amount of exposure that we were getting from other
sources.

Jeanne

FYI...

Randi Airola
517-819-5926
----- Original Message -----

From: Raymond Gallup [mailto:truegrit@...]
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 4:00 PM
Cc: tlautstudy@...; Theresa Cedillo; TAAP; killerjabs@...;
'Madeleine Goldfarb '; Walter Zahorodny; James Oleske; Sue Ming; Mary;
'Sue Collins'; Barbara Flynn; schafer; Sheri Nakken; Sandy Mintz;
Dignazio, Gloria; Richard Miles; jackie@jabs; rees; Bill Welsh; Hope
Project; David Thrower; Dawn Richardson; Randice; Linda Demos; Walter
Gallup; william gallup
Subject: NJ 2003/2004 figures for Autism---IDEA, ages 6-21



For the year 2003/2004, the New Jersey figures for autism on ages 6-21
is 4,933.

Year                    NJ  Total             Increase        US, PR and

DC Total       Increase
2003/2004             4,933                  753              not
available until October 2004

2002/2003              4,180                  654
118,602                      20,755

2001/2002               3,526                  601
97,847                     19,130

2000/2001                2,925

78,717


References:

2000/2001     http://www.ideadata.org/tables24th%5Car_aa3.htm

2001/2002     http://www.ideadata.org/tables25th%5Car_aa3.htm

2002/2003     http://www.ideadata.org/tables26th%5Car_aa3.htm

2003/2004     http://www.ideadata.org/tables27th%5Car_aa3.htm

E-NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER
Vienna, Virginia            http://www.nvic.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
      UNITED WAY/COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
                   #9119
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Protecting the health and informed consent rights of children since 1982."

================================================================================\
==========


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50514-2004Apr4.html
The Washington Post
Monday, April 5, 2004; Page A17

Opening the Gates
By Sebastian Mallaby

SEATTLE -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the world's largest
private giver. It shells out nearly $600 million a year to fight disease in
poor countries, plus a similar amount to good causes in this country. It
outspends George Soros's philanthropic empire by three to one, and the Ford
Foundation by around two to one. Only governments and multilateral bodies
such as the World Bank are bigger.

But Gates is about more than money. The foundation's Seattle office -- an
unassuming structure across from Mani's Waxing and Facials and the
Macintosh
Users' Group -- is packed with formidable talent. There are scientists
who've come from the National Institutes of Health. There are business
types
from management consultancies. There are veterans of Microsoft. These
extremely smart people exercise extreme freedom, which makes for a powerful
mixture. Economists think a lot about how governments can correct the
failures of profit-seeking markets and how markets can correct the failures
of sluggish government. But big philanthropic actors have a shot at
correcting both.

Consider, for example, the conundrum of vaccines. Market forces cannot
deliver these to poor countries, because the poor can't afford them. Rich
donor governments have failed equally, because their budgets are hostage to
shifting political fashions: One year they give money for AIDS, the next
year they're hot for microfinance. Because of governmental unreliability,
vaccine companies stopped making long-term investments in production
facilities, and manufacturing capacity dried up. In the 1990s UNICEF, the
U.N. agency that pools donor funds to buy vaccines, periodically scraped
money together and put out a tender. Sometimes it got next to no response.

The solution? In 1999 the Gates Foundation plunked down $750 million to buy
vaccines, enough to tell manufacturers that if they invested in production
there would be a buyer. Manufacturers have duly responded: Now, when UNICEF
puts out a tender for hepatitis B vaccine, for example, there are 12 firms
ready to bid, up from three in 2000. In a little over four years, the
Gates-backed vaccine fund has reached 35 million children, saving perhaps
300,000 lives.

That alone is wonderful -- Bill Gates Sr., father of Microsoft's father,
chokes with emotion as he thinks of it. But the Gates solution is cleverer
than just plunking down money. Having made the initial grant, the
foundation
persuaded traditional government donors to provide an additional $450
million. These donors came forward in the usual way: unpredictably,
haphazardly. But that was no longer debilitating, because the Gates money
was acting as a backstop, giving vaccine makers the confidence to ramp up
production. Now the Gates brain trust is working on the next stage of its
concept: What if the vaccine fund issued securities, using the proceeds to
smooth unpredictable donations from governments? On Thursday a meeting
convened by the French and British finance ministers will consider a
version
of this concept.

Or consider another way in which the Gates Foundation complements
government
donors. Politically driven aid programs can't take the heat for ignoring
large parts of the world and concentrating on one or two countries. But
when
the Gates Foundation first became involved in AIDS, it devoted a large part
of its effort to Botswana, a country of just 1.6 million people. Working
with Merck, a pharmaceutical company, the Gates people sponsored a program
to show what could be done when financial constraints were removed: Can you
treat people successfully in poor settings? Do you need expensive blood
tests to diagnose patients, or is it enough simply to look at them? If the
World Bank or the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria had
focused so exclusively on one small country, there would have been an
uproar. But Gates could get away with that, and other donors are learning
from the Botswana experiment.

The Gates people have carved out a niche in medical research, too.
Private-sector research excels at creating medical products, but mostly for
rich people. Public-sector research focuses on basic science and thrives on
the decentralized pursuit of interesting hunches rather than on coordinated
problem-solving. The Gates Foundation aims to bring private-sector goal
orientation to public-sector endeavors, notably the search for an AIDS
vaccine. Last year the foundation convened the leaders in this field -- a
disparate band of academics, government scientists, nonprofit outfits and
firms -- and persuaded them to coordinate their efforts. Now it is building
a consensus on what the key bottlenecks are to developing an AIDS vaccine.
Next it will use its grants to ensure that all bottlenecks are tackled.

The Gates Foundation is young and gloriously experimental, and not all its
ideas will work. But that is the whole point: Because it is sitting on a
$26
billion endowment, it can take more risks than taxpayer-backed
organizations. It is pursuing what you might call the venture capital model
of progress -- applied not to tech firms but to the health problems of the
world's poorest. The life expectancy for babies born in the richest
fifth of
the world is 74 years; for babies in the bottom fifth it is 48 years. The
Gates Foundation aims to change that.



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Center and is supported through membership donations.  Learn more about
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E-NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER
Vienna, Virginia            http://www.nvic.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vaccine2apr02,1,1037077.story?coll=la
LOS ANGELES TIMES
April 2, 2004

U.S. Won't Alert Parents, Doctors on Mercury in Flu Shots for Kids

By Myron Levin
Times Staff Writer


Hundreds of thousands of infants and toddlers who get flu shots starting
this fall could be exposed to a mercury-laced preservative that has been
all
but eliminated from other pediatric vaccines because of health concerns.

Saying there is no proof of harm from exposure to the preservative
thimerosal, officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention have confirmed that they won't advise parents and doctors to
choose a mercury-free version of the flu vaccine.

This year, flu shots are being added to the government's "recommend"
list of
vaccines that should be given to all young children. The CDC's decision on
thimerosal, made despite pleas from parent activist groups and some
experts,
appears to be at odds with recent federal warnings about exposure to
mercury, a potent neurotoxin, and with the government's successful
effort to
have it removed from other childhood vaccines.

The mercury-free flu vaccine will be more expensive - by about $4 per
shot -
and is somewhat harder to make in large quantities than the alternative. If
the CDC were to warn parents, demand for thimerosal-free shots would rise,
possibly squeezing supplies. Some experts said a shortage could lead to
some
children not being immunized against a known risk, flu, in order to avoid
the theoretical risk of thimerosal.

"The available scientific evidence has not shown thimerosal-containing
vaccines to be harmful," the CDC said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, which has a membership of 57,000
physicians, is backing the CDC.

But the agency has come under blistering attack from some parent groups. By
not advising parents and physicians, the government is "violating the
precautionary principle which reminds doctors that, when in doubt, take an
action which minimizes the risk of harm," said Barbara Loe Fisher,
co-founder of the National Vaccine Information Center, a parent-led group
that promotes safer vaccines.

Rep. David Weldon (R-Fla.) said he planned to introduce a bill to ban
thimerosal in childhood vaccines. The CDC's refusal to recommend
mercury-free shots "is medical malpractice," Weldon said. A physician
with a
young son, he said he wouldn't let the child have a shot containing
mercury.

Preservatives are used by drug companies to prevent the growth of bacteria
and fungi in vaccines. Thimerosal, which is nearly 50% ethyl mercury, had
long been the preservative of choice. That changed in 1999, when the U.S.
Public Health Service and the academy of pediatrics called on drug firms to
voluntarily remove thimerosal from pediatric vaccines as a precaution.

In doing so, they acknowledged a major oversight: Under the country's
increasingly aggressive policy of childhood immunizations, infants were
being repeatedly exposed to mercury in cumulative doses far above
Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Since then, vaccine producers have virtually eliminated thimerosal from
regularly scheduled childhood vaccines.

Some parent groups and researchers believe that thimerosal has contributed
to a sharp increase in reported rates of autism and other developmental
disorders in children. Nearly 4,000 compensation claims have been filed
in a
special vaccine injury branch of the U.S. Court of Claims on behalf of
children with autism-related disorders.

Vaccine makers and many scientists dispute the connection, contending,
among
other things, that the exposures are too low and that ethyl mercury is more
easily eliminated from the body than methyl mercury - the type produced by
industrial emissions that ends up in fish.

The CDC's neutrality on thimerosal in flu vaccines comes amid blunt
warnings
from other federal agencies about reducing methyl mercury levels in infants
and toddlers, whose developing brains may be more vulnerable.

Last month, for example, the Food and Drug Administration cautioned that
young children and women who are nursing or pregnant should avoid fish high
in mercury, such as shark and swordfish. In February, the EPA estimated
that
nearly 1 in 6 babies may be exposed to hazardous levels of mercury through
the umbilical cord.

In recent months, small mercury spills resulted in the evacuation and
cleanup of several schools. In January, for example, a middle school in
Reno
was shut down for eight days of extensive decontamination after mercury
spilled on a school bus was tracked inside by students.

Boyd E. Haley, who is chairman of the department of chemistry at the
University of Kentucky and is considered an authority on both ethyl and
methyl mercury, said it was "preposterous and ridiculous" for the
government
to warn about methyl mercury in fish but sanction ethyl mercury's being
injected into children.

The CDC decision is "unconscionable," Haley said. "If it were my
grandson or
my granddaughter, there's no way in hell you'd give them a vaccine
containing thimerosal."

The decision endorses the stance of a panel of experts that advises the CDC
on vaccination policies. Citing estimates of 36,000 deaths a year from
influenza, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Policy recommended that
all children 6 to 24 months old be considered at risk and receive two flu
shots next fall. Rejecting pleas from parent activists, the committee
refused to state a preference for giving thimerosal-free vaccines to
toddlers and pregnant women.

The CDC will officially publish its decision later this month in an
official
agency bulletin.

The CDC orders mass quantities of vaccine for state and local health
departments that immunize low-income children. Paradoxically, the agency
has
ordered up to 2 million doses of thimerosal-free vaccine for the coming
fall
to be sure there is enough for health departments that request it, said
Roger Bernier, senior scientist with the CDC's immunization program.

However, the CDC's stating a preference for thimerosal-free vaccines "would
drive the demand even more aggressively," Bernier said. There is no need to
do so, he said, given the lack of proof of harm.

Dr. Margaret Rennels, who chairs the academy of pediatrics' committee on
infectious diseases, cited manufacturers' estimates that nearly
one-third of
a vaccine is lost in the process of removing thimerosal and in packaging
the
preservative-free version. "It is the judgment of pediatric disease
specialists that it would be better to have a third bigger supply given the
lack of evidence of harm from thimerosal," she said.

It's unclear, however, whether high demand for preservative-free vaccine
would in fact disrupt supplies.

Three companies produce flu vaccines for the U.S. market. Only one, Aventis
Pasteur Inc., a subsidiary of French pharmaceutical giant Aventis, is
licensed to make the medicine for children as young as 6 to 24 months.

Aventis makes both thimerosal and thimerosal-free vaccine at its
Swiftwater,
Pa., plant. Len Lavenda, director of public affairs, said Aventis
encourages
parents who are concerned to ask their doctors to order thimerosal-free
vaccines. The company believes "we will be able to produce a sufficient
amount" of mercury-free vaccine, Lavenda said, "providing we're notified
early enough."

Lyn Redwood, a registered nurse and the mother of an autistic child, said
that without a signal from the CDC, which is "looked to in this country as
the authority on vaccines," parents and doctors simply wouldn't demand
mercury-free drugs.

Dr. Neal Halsey, director of the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said that "it would make life
much easier for everybody if there wasn't the thimerosal in the vaccines."
But he added: "I personally am not concerned."

Halsey described the situation as different from 1999, when the call went
out to eliminate thimerosal from childhood immunizations. That appeal
stemmed from a realization that infants were getting a cumulative dose of
187.5 micrograms of mercury by the age of 6 months under the approved
immunization schedule. Halsey, who was among those voicing alarm, said flu
shots with thimerosal would deliver only a 25-microgram dose to children 6
months and older, so the exposure would be lower "in terms of the amount
that's given and the size of the child."








=============================================
News@... is a free service of the National Vaccine Information
Center and is supported through membership donations.  Learn more about
vaccines, diseases and how to protect your informed
consent rights http://www.nvic.org

Become a member and support NVIC's work  https://www.909shot.com/order.htm

To sign up for a free e-mail subscription http://www.nvic.org/emaillist.htm

NVIC is funded through individual membership donations and does not
receive government funding. Barbara Loe Fisher, President and Co-founder.

-------- Original Message --------

4/12/04 Dr Stan Monteith's Radio Interview with Francine Yurko

It's time for another chat with Dr Stan!

Dr Stan Monteith has spent the last 30 years researching the causes for
America's spiritual and moral decline, and is a very powerful voice of
reason
amidst the lies and confusion of today's corrupt times.

Tune in this Monday (4/12/04) 7P.M. (EST) and listen to Dr Stan and
Francine
Yurko, as they Update you on the unbelievable story and miscarriage of
justice
of the Alan Yurko Case...
A father falsely accused of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Click here:
<http://www.soundwaves2000.com/radio%5Fliberty/>

When you get to the page, you'll see on the right a lavender colored box
that says "On-Demand" at the top. Scroll to the bottom of that box, and
you'll see the link to the Radio Liberty live broadcast. It's a Real
Player setup.

Message: 4
    Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2004 17:20:49 -0400 (EDT)
    From: Erin M <erinrmos@...>
Subject: Northeastern University: Vaccines Cause Neurological Disorders

>From another group...

Thu, 08 Apr 2004 22:03:08 -0700
    From: Lynne Arnold
Subject: Northeastern University: Vaccines Cause Neurological Disorders

According to new research from Northeastern University pharmacy
professor Richard Deth and colleagues from the University of
Nebraska, Tufts, and Johns Hopkins University, there is an apparent
link between exposure to certain neurodevelopmental toxins and an
increased possibility of developing neurological disorders including
autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The research -
the first to offer an explanation for possible causes of two
increasingly common childhood neurological disorders - is published
today in the April 2004 issue of the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

Though some speculation exists regarding this link, Deth and his
colleagues found that exposure to toxins, such as ethanol and heavy
metals (including lead, aluminum and the ethylmercury-containing
preservative thimerosal) potently interrupt growth factor signaling,
causing adverse effects on methylation reactions (i.e. the transfer
of carbon atoms).
Methylation, in turn, plays a significant role in regulating normal
DNA function and gene expression, and is critical to proper
neurological development in infants and children. Scientists and
practitioners have identified an increase in diagnoses of autism and
ADHD in particular, though the reasons why are largely unknown.

In their work, the scientists found that insulin-like growth factor-1
(IGF-1) and the neurotransmitter dopamine both stimulated folate-
dependent methylation pathways in neuronal cells. At the same time
they noted that compounds like thimerosal, ethanol and metals (like
lead and mercury) effectively inhibited these same biochemical
pathways at concentrations that are typically found following
vaccination or other sources of exposure. By better understanding what
happens when infants and children are exposed to these materials, the
work of Deth and his colleagues helps to explain how environmental
contact with metals and administration of certain vaccines may lead
to serious disorders that manifest themselves during childhood,
including autism and ADHD.

"Scientists certainly acknowledge that exposure to neurotoxins like
ethanol and heavy metals can cause developmental disorders, but until
now, the precise mechanisms underlying their toxicity have not been
known," said Deth. "The recent increase in the incidence of autism
led us to speculate that environmental exposures, including vaccine
additives might contribute to the triggering of this disorder."

Thimerosal, which was largely phased out in the U.S. and in Europe
starting in 2000, was often used for its preservative abilities in
multi-dose units of vaccines for diseases like hepatitis, whooping
cough, tetanus and diptheria. Today, most vaccines carry only trace
amounts of it, according to the CDC. But in larger, multi-dose vials
of these vaccines, often shipped to and used in third world
countries, thimerosal is still very common. Multi-dose flu vaccines
still contain thimerosal.

Additionally, the scientists recently obtained more insight into the
mechanism by which thimerosal interferes with folate-dependent
methylation. It acts by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the active
form of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), which is of particular
interest because doctors treating autistic kids are having good
success with the administration of methycobalamin.

Northeastern University, a private research institution located in
Boston, Massachusetts, is a world leader in practice-oriented
education. Building on its flagship cooperative education program,
Northeastern links classroom learning with workplace experience and
integrates professional preparation with study in the liberal arts
and sciences. U.S. News & World Report, in its annual guide America's
Best Colleges, 2003, ranked Northeastern University number one in the
country among programs that "require or encourage students to apply
what they're learning in the classroom out in the real world." In
addition, Northeastern's career services was top ranked by Kaplan
Newsweek's "Unofficial Insiders Guide to the 320 Most Interesting
Colleges and Universities," 2003 edition. For more information,
please visit http://www.northeastern.edu.

Paper in full at this link:

http://www.nupr.neu.edu/2-04/deth_article.pdf


PeoplePC Online
A better way to Internet
http://www.peoplepc.com


Randi Airola
517-819-5926

FYI -


Message: 12
    Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 16:00:24 +0100
    From: Sheri Nakken <vaccineinfo@...>
Subject: US:  Adolescent vaccines, Letter of intent...

>From: "Hilary Butler" <butler@...>
"New vaccines for adolescents are likely to be recommended within the next
several years. These include vaccines for pertussis, meningococcal disease,
herpes simplex virus, and human papilloma virus. There are other vaccines
which are currently recommended (hepatitis A, hepatitis B) but remain
underutilized in the adolescent population. Overall, published reports show
that experience with adolescent immunization is limited and that special
challenges exist if protective coverage levels are to be attained in this
population."


Delivery of Adolescent Immunization Services
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Letter of Intent: 4/29/04; Application: 6/1/04
$ AVAILABLE: $200,000 for one award
ELIGIBILITY: Public and private nonprofit organizations and governments and
their agencies
PURPOSE:To support the development of effective approaches to the delivery
of immunization services to adolescents in preparation for the wave of new
adolescent vaccines that are either currently in development or that are
being planned for development in the near future.
CFDA: 93.185
CONTACT: For scientific/research issues, contact: Mr. Gary Edgar, Project
Officer, CDC, National Immunization Program, (404) 639-8787, E-mail:
GWE1@.... For a copy of the application, go to:
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm
  or for more CDC grant information go to:
www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm
>From Federal Register, 3/30/04, p16545 �

http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/04088.htm

Billing Code: 4163-18-P

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Planning Effective Approaches to the Delivery of Adolescent Immunization
Services

Announcement Type: New

Funding Opportunity Number: 04088

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.185

Key Dates:

Letter of Intent Deadline: April 29, 2004

Application Deadline: May 29, 2004

SPOC Notification Deadline: April 29, 2004. For more information, see
section "IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications."

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Authority: Public Health Services Act, Section 317(k)(1), 42 U.S.C.
247b(k)(1), as amended.

Purpose: The purpose of the program is to support the development of
effective approaches to the delivery of immunization services to
adolescents in preparation for the wave of new adolescent vaccines that are
either currently in development or that are being planned for development
in the near future.

New vaccines for adolescents are likely to be recommended within the next
several years. These include vaccines for pertussis, meningococcal disease,
herpes simplex virus, and human papilloma virus. There are other vaccines
which are currently recommended (hepatitis A, hepatitis B) but remain
underutilized in the adolescent population. Overall, published reports show
that experience with adolescent immunization is limited and that special
challenges exist if protective coverage levels are to be attained in this
population.

This program addresses the "Healthy People 2010" focus area of Immunization
and Infectious Diseases.

Measurable outcomes of the program will be in alignment with the
performance goal for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
National Immunization Program (NIP) to reduce the number of indigenous
cases of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Research Objectives:

Applicants should address the following research objectives:

Characterize and evaluate providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices as
they relate to the following adolescent immunization issues:

a. acceptability of adolescent vaccinations

b. optimal age for administering

c. ease or comfort in discussing vaccines specifically designed to prevent
sexually transmitted diseases

d. who has primary responsibility for administering adolescent vaccines

e. best settings for achieving high coverage rates (compare, for example,
physicians' practices with school-based, teen, and STD clinics)

Characterize and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of
adolescents and parents about:

f. adolescent vaccinations in general

g. acceptability of receipt of vaccinations at various sites including
physician's office, school-based clinic, teen & STD clinics

Characterize and evaluate current patterns of health care utilization in
adolescents grouped by gender and appropriate age categories.

Ascertain the percent distribution seen by pediatricians, family practice
physicians, and obstetricians/gynecologists at each age group. Ascertain
the percentage that have no usual source of primary care, and develop a
profile of adolescents who have no usual source of care in terms of their
age group, gender, family composition, health insurance status, and
relevant demographic characteristics.

Develop a model to generate information about the optimum age for
vaccination of specific vaccines, including potential coverage rates and
incident cases of disease prevented as a function of specific variables
such as age at vaccination, vaccination site, provider attitudes and
practices, and characteristics of the adolescent population such as
urban/rural residence, school dropout rates, usual source of health care,
etc.

Establish a national workgroup on adolescent immunizations and preventive
health care services consisting of experts representing a variety of
national organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGO), academia,
clinical medicine, and public health.

Activities:

Awardee activities for this program are as follows:

Collaborate with CDC to characterize and evaluate provider attitudes,
beliefs, and practices toward adolescent vaccination. This would include
information on barriers to vaccinating adolescents, provider acceptability
in discussing specific vaccines, and general adolescent issues in
preventive care.

Collaborate with CDC to characterize and evaluate adolescent and parent
attitudes toward vaccinations, usual sites for receipt of preventive health
care service, acceptability of receipt of vaccines at alternative sites.

Collaborate with CDC to review existing national surveys and other data
resources such as Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), and National
Ambulatory Medical Care (NAMCS)/National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care
Survey (NHAMCS), and insurance claims to characterize adolescent health
care utilization patterns by age and gender groups.

Collaborate with CDC to develop a model to determine optimum age for
vaccination for specific vaccines, as described in Research Objective 4,
above.

Make recommendations for and coordinate the development of a national
workgroup on adolescent immunizations and preventive health services, as
described in Research Objective 5, above.

Collaboratively disseminate research findings in peer reviewed publications
and for use in determining national policy.

In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in the
program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring. CDC
Activities for this program are as follows:

Provide CDC investigator(s) to monitor the cooperative agreement as project
officer(s).

Participate as active project team members in the development,
implementation and conduct of the research project and as coauthors of all
scientific publications that result from the project.

Provide technical assistance on the selection and evaluation of data
collection and data collection instruments.

Assist in the development of research protocols for Institutional Review
Boards (IRB) review.  The CDC IRB will review and approve the project
protocol initially and on at least an annual basis until the research
project is completed.

Contribute subject matter expertise in the areas of epidemiologic methods
and statistical analysis, and survey research consultation.

Participate in the analysis and dissemination of information, data and
findings from the project, facilitating dissemination of results.

Serve as liaisons between the recipients of the project award and other
administrative units within the CDC.

Facilitate an annual meeting between award recipient and CDC to coordinate
planned efforts and review progress.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

CDC involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section above.

Fiscal Year Funds: 2004

Approximate Total Funding: $200,000

Approximate Number of Awards: One

Approximate Average Award: $200,000 (This amount is for the first 12-month
budget period, and includes both direct and indirect costs)

Floor of Award Range: None

Ceiling of Award Range: $200,000

Anticipated Award Date: August 15, 2004

Budget Period Length: 12 months

Project Period Length: Three years

Throughout the project period, CDC's commitment to continuation of awards
will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of satisfactory
progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports), and the
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal
Government.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible applicants

Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit organizations
and by governments and their agencies, such as:

Public nonprofit organizations

Private nonprofit organizations

Universities

Colleges

Research institutions

III.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Matching funds are not required for this program.

III.3. Other

If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award
range, your application will be considered non-responsive, and will not be
entered into the review process. You will be notified that your application
did not meet the submission requirements.

Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators: Any individual with
the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed
research is invited to work with his/her institution to develop an
application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and
ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always
encouraged to apply for CDC programs.

Note: Title 2 of the United States Code section 1611 states that an
organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code
that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal
funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address to Request Application Package

To apply for this funding opportunity, use application form PHS 398 (OMB
number 0925-0001 rev. 5/2001). Forms and instructions are available in an
interactive format on the CDC web site, at the following Internet address:
<http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm>http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.h
tm

Forms and instructions are also available in an interactive format on the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) web site at the following Internet
address:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html

If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have difficulty
accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the CDC Procurement and Grants
Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIM) staff at:
770-488-2700. Application forms can be mailed to you.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent (LOI):

A LOI is required and must be written in the following format:

Maximum number of pages: Three

Font size: 12-point unreduced

Single spaced

Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches

Page margin size: One inch

Printed only on one side of page

Written in complete sentences, in plain language, avoiding the use of jargon

Your LOI must contain the following information:

Descriptive title of the proposed research

Name, address, E-mail address, telephone number, and fax number of the
Principal Investigator

Names of other key personnel

Participating institutions

Number and title of this Program Announcement (PA)

Summary of proposed activities and description of study design, methods,
and analyses.

Application: Follow the PHS 398 application instructions for content and
formatting of your application. For further assistance with the PHS 398
application form, contact PGO-TIM staff at 770-488-2700, or contact
GrantsInfo, Telephone 301-435-0714, E-mail: GrantsInfo@....

The Program Announcement Title and number must appear in the application.

You must include a research plan with your application. The research plan
should be double spaced and be no more than 25 pages.

Your application will be evaluated on the criteria listed under Section V.
Application Review Information, so it is important to follow them, as well
as the Research Objectives and the Administrative and National Policy
Requirements (AR's), in laying out your research plan.

Your research plan should address activities to be conducted over the
entire project period. The research plan should consist of the following
information:

Abstract. It is especially important to include an abstract that reflects
the project's focus, because the abstract will be used to help determine
the responsiveness of the application.

Program Goals and Objectives. Describe the goals and objectives the
proposed research is designed to achieve in the short and long term.
Specific research questions and hypotheses should be included.

Program Participants. Provide a justification and description of the
specific population of adolescents, parents, and providers targeted. In
addition, the proposal should provide evidence that the recipient has the
capacity necessary to recruit participants. Describe how the study
sample(s) is (are) defined. A description of how recruitment, retention and
referral of participants will be handled should also be included.

Methods. Describe study design, including topic areas and potential
questions to be examined among adolescents, parents, and providers. If any
materials are not extant, the methods and timeframe for development, and
pilot testing should be given. Describe proposed methods and data sources
for characterizing adolescent health care utilization. Describe proposed
methods to develop model regarding optimum age for vaccination and how the
robustness of the model will be assured. Describe proposed methods and
potential candidates for development of a national workgroup.

Project Management. Provide evidence of the expertise, capacity, and
support necessary to successfully implement the project. Each existing or
proposed staff position for the project should be described by job title,
function, general duties, level of effort, and allocation of time.
Management operation principles, structure, and organization should also be
noted.

Collaborative Efforts. List and describe any current and proposed
collaborations with government, health, or youth agencies or other
researchers that will impact this project. Include letters of support and
memoranda of understanding that specify the nature of past, present, and
proposed collaborations, and the products/services/activities that will be
provided by and to the applicant.

Data Sharing and release: Describe plans for the sharing and release of
data.

Budget. Applications must be submitted in a modular grant format.  The
modular grant format simplifies the preparation of the budget in these
applications by limiting the level of budgetary detail.  Applicants request
direct costs in $25,000 modules.  Section C of the research grant
application instructions for the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) is available at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. This includes
step-by-step guidance for preparing modular grants.  Additional information
on modular grants is available at:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm.

You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the
Federal government. Your DUNS number must be entered on line 11 of the face
page of the PHS 398 application form. The DUNS number is a nine-digit
identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities.
Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS
number, access
<http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/>http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call
1-866-705-5711.

For more information, see the CDC web site at:
<http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.htm>http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/fu
nding/pubcommt.htm

Additional requirements that may require you to submit additional
documentation with your application are listed in section "VI.2.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements."

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

LOI Deadline Date: April 29, 2004

A letter of Intent (LOI) is required for this Program Announcement.  The
LOI will not be evaluated or scored.  Your letter of intent will be used to
estimate the potential reviewer workload and to avoid conflicts of interest
during the review.  If you do not submit a LOI, you will not be allowed to
submit an application.

Application Deadline Date: May 29, 2004

Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC
Procurement and Grants Office by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline
date. If you send your application by the United States Postal Service or
commercial delivery service, you must ensure that the carrier will be able
to guarantee delivery of the application by the closing date and time. If
CDC receives your application after closing due to: (1) carrier error, when
the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the
closing date and time, or (2) significant weather delays or natural
disasters, you will be given the opportunity to submit documentation of the
carrier's guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, CDC
will consider the application as having been received by the deadline.

This announcement is the definitive guide on application submission address
and deadline. It supersedes information provided in the application
instructions. If your application does not meet the deadline above, it will
not be eligible for review, and will be discarded. You will be notified
that your application did not meet the submission requirements.

CDC will not notify you upon receipt of your application. If you have a
question about the receipt of your application, first contact your courier.
If you still have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at 770-488-2700.
Before calling, please wait two to three days after the application
deadline. This will allow time for applications to be processed and logged.

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

Your application is subject to Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs, as governed by Executive Order (EO) 12372. This order sets up a
system for state and local governmental review of proposed federal
assistance applications. Click on the following link to get the current
SPOC list:

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html>http://www.whitehouse.gov/om
b/grants/spoc.html

IV.5. Funding restrictions

If you are requesting indirect costs in your budget, you must include a
copy of your indirect cost rate agreement. If your indirect cost rate is a
provisional rate, the agreement should be less than 12 months of age.

Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

LOI Submission Address: Submit your LOI by express mail, delivery service,
fax, or E-mail to:

Ms. Beth Gardner, Scientific Review Administrator

CDC, National Immunization Program

1600 Clifton Road, N.E.

Mailstop E-05

Atlanta, GA 30333

Phone: 404-639-6101

Fax: 404-639-0108

Email: BGardner@...

Application Submission Address: Submit the original and five hard copies of
your application by mail or express delivery service to:

Technical Information Management-PA# 04088

CDC Procurement and Grants Office

2920 Brandywine Road

Atlanta, GA 30341



Applications may not be submitted electronically at this time.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

You are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate
the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative
agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the performance goals
stated in the "Purpose" section of this announcement. Measures must be
objective and quantitative, and must measure the intended outcome. These
measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the application and will
be an element of evaluation.



The goals of CDC-supported research are to advance the understanding of
biological systems, improve the control and prevention of disease and
injury, and enhance health. In the written comments, reviewers will be
asked to evaluate the application in order to judge the likelihood that the
proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these
goals.

The scientific review group will address and consider each of the following
criteria in assigning the application's overall score, weighting them as
appropriate for each application. The application does not need to be
strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific
impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator
may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not
innovative, but is essential to move a field forward.

The criteria are as follows:

Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of
the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced?
What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that
drive this field?

Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses
adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the
project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and
consider alternative tactics?

Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods?
Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing
paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?

Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to
carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience
level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)?

Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done
contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take
advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful
collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?

Additional Review Criteria: In addition to the above criteria, the
following items will be considered in the determination of scientific merit
and priority score:

Access to providers necessary to ensure success of study as demonstrated by
letters of support or by previous clinic-based research.

Experience with immunization-related research as demonstrated by related
peer-reviewed publications.



Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risks: Does the application
adequately address the requirements of Title 45 CFR Part 46 for the
protection of human subjects? This will not be scored; however, an
application can be disapproved if the research risks are sufficiently
serious and protection against risks is so inadequate as to make the entire
application unacceptable.

Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Research:

Does the application adequately address the CDC Policy requirements
regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and racial groups in the proposed
research? This includes: (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both
sexes and racial and ethnic minority populations for appropriate
representation; (2) The proposed justification when representation is
limited or absent; (3) A statement as to whether the design of the study is
adequate to measure differences when warranted; and (4) A statement as to
whether the plans for recruitment and outreach for study participants
include the process of establishing partnerships with community(ies) and
recognition of mutual benefits.

Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period
of support in relation to the proposed research.

V.2. Review and Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement and
Grants Office (PGO), and for responsiveness by NIP. Incomplete applications
and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will
not advance through the review process. Applicants will be notified that
their application did not meet submission requirements.

Applications that are complete and responsive to the PA will be evaluated
for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group or
charter study section convened by National Immunization Program in
accordance with the review criteria listed above. As part of the initial
merit review, all applications may:

Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the
highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under
review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score.

Receive a written critique.

Receive a second level programmatic review by a NIP panel.

Award Criteria: Criteria that will be used to make award decisions include:

Scientific merit (as determined by peer review)

Availability of funds

Programmatic priorities

V.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Anticipated Application Deadline Date: May 2004

Anticipated Award Date: August 2004

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) from the
CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NGA shall be the only binding,
authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NGA will be signed
by an authorized Grants Management Officer, and mailed to the recipient
fiscal officer identified in the application.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the
application review by mail.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74 and Part 92

For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the National
Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet address:
<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html>http://www.access.
gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html

The following additional requirements apply to this project:

AR-1, Human Subjects Requirements

AR-2, Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic Minorities
in Research

AR-7, Executive Order 12372 Review

AR-10, Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements

AR-11, Healthy People 2010

AR-12, Lobbying Restrictions

AR-15, Proof of Non-Profit Status (If applicable)

AR-22, Research Integrity

AR-24, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Requirements

Additional information on these requirements can be found on the CDC web
site at the following Internet address:
<http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm>http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding
/ARs.htm.

VI.3. Reporting

You must provide CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of the
following reports:

Interim progress report, (use form PHS 2590, OMB Number 0925-0001, rev.
5/2001 as posted on the CDC website) no less than 90 days before the end of
the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-competing
continuation application, and must contain the following elements:

a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.

b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.

c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.

d. Budget.

e. Additional Requested Information.

f. Measures of Effectiveness.

Financial status report and annual progress report, no more than 90 days
after the end of the budget period.

Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days after the end
of the project period.

These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management Specialist listed in
the "Agency Contacts" section of this announcement.

VII. Agency Contacts

For general questions about this announcement, contact:

Technical Information Management Section

CDC Procurement and Grants Office

2920 Brandywine Road

Atlanta, GA 30341

Telephone: 770-488-2700

For scientific/research issues, contact:

Mr. Gary Edgar, Project Officer

CDC, National Immunization Program

1600 Clifton Road, N.E.

Mailstop E-52

Atlanta, GA 30333

Phone: 404-639-8787

E-mail: GWE1@...

For questions about peer review, contact:

Ms. Beth Gardner, Scientific Review Administrator

CDC, National Immunization Program

1600 Clifton Road, N.E.

Mailstop E-05

Atlanta, GA 30333

Phone: 404-639-6101

Email: BGardner@...

For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact:

Jesse L. Robertson, Grants Management Specialist

CDC Procurement and Grants Office

2920 Brandywine Road

Atlanta, GA 30341

Telephone: 770-488-2747

E-mail: JTR4@...

VIII. Other Information

National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Internet address: <http://www.cdc.gov/nip>http://www.cdc.gov/nip





Dated: ___________________________

Edward J. Schultz

Acting Director

Procurement and Grants Office

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Randi Airola
517-819-5926

From: Dr.Mercola
To: darby700@...
Subject: eHealthy News You Can Use April 7, 2004 - Issue 522
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 04:07:11 -0500 (CDT)

How to Treat Yeast Infections Naturally - One of the most common reasons why women seek medical attention is because of vaginal infections, most often yeast infections. But you may be able to avoid going to the doctor by using these natural remedies to treat and prevent this pesky problem.

Fungus May be Causing Your Sinus Infections--Here�s What Can Help - Many Americans suffer from recurring sinus infections that just won�t seem to go away. Now it�s clear that most chronic sinus infections are not an infection at all, but rather are an immune response to fungus. Find out how to make your body less hospitable to fungus and clear up your sinus infection once and for all.

'Your Well-Being Depends on the Sun' and Other Great Tips From the Author of "The UV Advantage" - Do you avoid the sun thinking it is protecting your health? If so, you cannot afford to miss this interview with Dr. Michael Holick, one of the world's leading vitamin D researchers, that sheds some light on the importance of vitamin D and the sun to keeping you healthy.

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Learn Your Metabolic Type Now and All the Foods You Should Be Eating to Improve Your Health Dramatically - Healthy eating requires both the right types of foods and the right proportions of carbs, fats and proteins for your "metabolic type." My new book provides you both, including a test to learn your metabolic type and over 150 recipes customized to it! Read more now!

Nalgene Water Bottles Appear to be Unsafe - Scientists are warning that Nalgene water bottles, the popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, are causing serious health hazards. Find out why the plastic used to make these bottles is raising health concerns and discover what types of plastics are considered safe.

Suicide Caution Mandated for Antidepressants - Experts are urging doctors to watch out for suicide signs in their patients when they first begin taking antidepressants or receive a change in dosage. Find out why the FDA has placed warning labels of the possible deadly side effects of antidepressants and discover the safer alternatives to defeating depression.

Low-Fat Diet Raises Bad Cholesterol - Evidence is suggesting that low-fat diets are raising the levels of LDL cholesterol, the �bad� cholesterol. Discover the downfalls of the low-fat diet craze and find out the healthy ways to supplement your diet.

Concerns Raised Over "Stomach Stapling" Surgery for Obese - Health insurers are growing more skeptical about �stomach stapling� surgery just after the U.S. government declared obesity a public health crisis. Find out why red flags are being raised over insurance covering this drastic surgery and discover how you can maintain your optimal weight naturally.

Mind-Training Exercises Keep Your Brain Fit as You Age - Mind-training exercises can help keep your brain fit and assist you with learning new skills as you age. Try these memory-inducing exercises and discover other ways to keep your mind young and healthy.

Martial Arts Boosts Fitness in Middle Age - Baby boomers are practicing �self-defense� to aging through the use of martial arts. See how this alternative method of exercise helps promote better balance and decrease body fat.

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Learn Bioelectrical Normalization With My Staff - In May we will be teaching an effective healing tool in Chicago to the first 80 clinicians that sign up for the course. Over ten of my staff members will be taking this course.

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---

�Copyright Dr. Joseph Mercola, 2004. All Rights Reserved. This content may be copied in full, as long as copyright, contact, and creation information is given, only if used only in a not-for-profit format. If possible, I would also appreciate an endorsement and encouragement to subscribe to the newsletter. If any other use is desired, written permission is required.

You are currently subscribed as darby700@.... To unsubscribe, click here. You may also unsubscribe by sending a blank e-mail to ted+unsubscribe@....

Mercola.com
1443 W. Schaumburg Road, Suite 250
Schaumburg, IL 60194

 

Subject: Ethics Complaint Cites Frist's Work On Medical Malpractice
Legislation

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55869-2004Apr6.html

Ethics Complaint Cites Frist's Work On Medical Malpractice Legislation

By Helen Dewar
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 7, 2004; Page A05

A consumer rights foundation has asked the Senate ethics committee to
investigate whether Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) improperly promoted
legislation to limit medical malpractice awards while maintaining what it
called "personal and financial ties" to a large hospital chain with a
malpractice insurance subsidiary.

The complaint was filed late Monday by the Foundation for Taxpayer &
Consumer Rights of Santa Monica, Calif., which has a long history of
opposing curbs on malpractice litigation. It was promptly circulated around
Washington by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which also
questioned what it described as a potential conflict of interest on Frist's
part.

The ethics committee declined to comment on the complaint. Frist spokeswoman
Amy Call described the complaint as a "political exercise." She said the
Senate leader has received "numerous rulings from the ethics committee"
noting that its rules did not bar him from working on health issues because
of his personal and family finances.

At the center of the controversy is the Hospital Corporation of America
(HCA), the nation's largest for-profit hospital company, which has been run
primarily by Frist's father, Thomas Frist, and brother, Thomas Frist Jr.

The senator, who was a heart transplant surgeon before he was elected to the
Senate in 1995, was never employed by the company or any of its hospitals,
but his HCA stock holdings constituted a major share of his considerable
wealth. Frist valued his HCA holdings at more than $13 million when he first
ran for the Senate. After the election, he put them in a blind trust, out of
his control. Recent financial disclosure statements value the blind trusts
for Frist and his family at many millions of dollars.

In the Senate, Frist has championed a series of health care-related causes,
including Medicare legislation last year and, more recently, a bill backed
by most Republicans that would cap damage awards in medical malpractice
suits against doctors, hospitals and makers of medical devices. Bills to
limit all such damages and a narrower measure to limit them for
obstetricians and gynecologists were blocked by Democratic-led filibusters.
The Senate will vote today on another targeted measure to limit damages
involving suits against both OB-GYNs and emergency room personnel. Democrats
say they have the votes to prevail on that bill, too.

In its letter to the ethics panel, the consumer rights foundation noted that
Health Care Indemnity, which it described as a wholly owned subsidiary of
HCA, is the nation's sixth-largest medical malpractice insurance company,
with $260 million in premiums annually.

"We believe this conflict should disqualify Senator Frist from involvement
in any legislation concerning liability limits benefiting hospitals and
malpractice insurers, and can no longer be overlooked," Carmen Balber, the
foundation's consumer advocate, said in the letter.

Recent contributions of HCA stock to family trusts underscore the importance
of the company to the family's fortune, which cannot be disguised by the
"blind" nature of the trusts, she added.

While acknowledging the previous ethics committee rulings in Frist's favor,
Balber said the senator's "current involvement in the medical malpractice
debate rises beyond the level of general concern for health issues to
specific advocacy for his family's company."

In two earlier letters, released by Frist's office, the ethics panel noted
that Frist's family does not own anything approaching a controlling interest
in HCA and found no reason to bar Frist from involvement with health care
issues in the Senate. But it also warned that "appearances of a conflict of
interest" need to be evaluated in dealing with specific bills.

Frist was motivated to get involved in the malpractice debate because, "as a
doctor, he has seen firsthand the damage that soaring malpractice rates can
have on patients and patient care," according to Call, his spokeswoman.
"Anybody who knows Bill Frist knows he is first and foremost an ethical
person, and he is motivated by creating good policy and providing good
patient care," she added.


� 2004 The Washington Post Company
Randi Airola
517-819-5926

http://www.news-leader.com/today/0401-Cleanupvac-52781.html

News-Leader.com Springfield, MO
Published April 1, 2004

Clean up vaccines, mercury foes urge
State Senate considers bill calling for nation's first ban on preservative.

Roy Holand is Sponsor of bill to ban mercury as a preservative in vaccines

By Kathleen O'Dell
News-Leader Staff

Jefferson City — Parents and physicians asked Missouri senators on
Wednesday to make history with the country's first ban on a
mercury-based preservative in childhood vaccines.
Five people testified before the Senate Committee on Aging, Families,
Mental & Public Health on behalf of Springfield Rep. Roy Holand's bill
calling for the ban. It would not become law until January 2006 to give
vaccine makers time to retool.

Public health officials and the Missouri Nurses Association endorsed the
bill after it was changed to allow the state to give vaccine doses with
the preservative if a disease outbreak is pending and thimerosal-free
vaccine doses are unavailable.

Mercury is a known neurotoxin, and national medical groups and
scientists say the mercury-based thimerosal, a preservative still used
in some vaccines, is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders — including
the one of six children diagnosed with such disorders. While many
children expel the mercury through wastes, it accumulates over time in
others and affects brain development, researchers say.

Other national scientific groups refute the studies' conclusion that
there is a link. But they also say that thimerosal should be phased out
of vaccines given to children.

"This is the biggest story of the 21st century," said Dr. Alan Clark of
Carthage, who with his wife, Lujene, are vehemently for the ban. Their
8-year-old son, Devon, is autistic.

Clark, former president of the Greene County Medical Society, said the
society is planning a July symposium in Springfield because physician
members want to learn the science behind the thimerosal controversy.

Lujene Clark said Iowa and Nebraska are considering a similar bill, and
officials in other states have told her, "'We're watching what you're
doing. If you get it through, you'll give us the courage to tackle it
next,'" she said.

Holand's bill calls for telling parents before the vaccine is given if a
particular vial contains thimerosal. That raises concerns among some.

Two physicians testified in opposition, saying they agree mercury
doesn't belong in vaccines, but they're concerned that raising the issue
will scare parents out of immunizing their children.

The result will be a resurgence of childhood illnesses and more
childhood deaths from influenza, said Dr. Robert Harris, a Columbia
pediatrician also with the Department of Infectious Diseases at the
University of Missouri School of Medicine.

About 135 Missouri children died last year from flu complications.

Harris said he thinks autism naturally shows up after age 18 months,
coincidentally when children have gotten most of their vaccines.

Sen. Patrick Dougherty, D-St. Louis, referred to one of about a dozen
letters he said he has received opposing the bill, citing studies that
refute the link between thimerosal and autistic behaviors.

Holand, who is also a physician, told committee members that half the
vaccine makers have already stopped adding thimerosal to vaccine. They
did so at the 1999 recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics
and the U.S. Public Health Service.

"If half can do it, surely the other half can," Holand said.

Studies show switching to a more acceptable preservative would add about
$1 to the cost of a dose of vaccine.

But thimerosal still exists in the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and the
influenza vaccine in multidose vials.

He said there were 3.5 million doses of non-thimerosal vaccine last
year, and he's heard 30 million will be available next year.

"We are here as pro-immunization advocates," said Holand. They want to
make sure the vaccine supply is safe for the children getting it.

The Clarks said they returned this week from four days in Washington,
D.C., discussing the issue with national leaders.

"No science, no link" was a common response, said Alan Clark, "but they
have not looked at all 5,000 (scientific) articles that clearly identify
thimerosal as the cause. Without a doubt, this is a critical issue for
children."

One senator raised the issue of a 2001 government-endorsed study
concluding there was no causal relationship between thimerosal and
autism. Alan Clark quickly referred to a 2003 study by the same groups.
The final report is due in May, he said, "But I listened to all eight
hours of testimony, and I saw nothing to convince me otherwise."

Clark added, "Washington is looking closely at Missouri. They're
impressed with what we're doing here. We have the chance now to make
children safe from these poisons."

The Clarks testified not only as advocates but as parents of an autistic
child whose costs for special health care and education this year alone
will total $50,000. The rise in numbers of children with autism
disorders also place a financial burden on public schools and state
budgets, Lujene Clark said.

Lujene Clark said Devon received 12.5 micrograms of mercury in a vaccine
as an 8-pound newborn — "That's 34 times the limit allowed by the EPA."

He got more mercury in subsequent vaccines between 2 and 18 months old,
at which point they noticed developmental changes, she said. Devon was
diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in first grade,
but after a flu vaccine a year later his symptoms worsened and he was
diagnosed with an autism disorder.

Nixa resident Rita Shreffler, who has two autistic children, also testified.

"This is a common-sense issue," she said. "Mercury has no place in
vaccines."

Contact Kathleen O'Dell at kodell@...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3588457.stm

BBC NEWS

Vets issue animal vaccine warning

Veterinary surgeons are warning that cat and dog owners are spending
tens of millions of pounds on unnecessary and sometimes dangerous vaccines.

More than 30 vets have signed an open letter warning many vaccines for
pets given in yearly doses last much longer.

They have accused the pharmaceutical industry of "fraud by
misrepresentation, fraud by silence and theft by deception".

But drugs companies say they are bound by rules from licensing authorities.

Because of a lack of research it can only give a minimum period of
immunity - usually 12 months.

Yearly vaccines

The vets are warning the pharmaceutical industry and their own
profession about the issue.
The present practice of marketing vaccinations for companion animals may
constitute fraud by misrepresentation, fraud by silence and theft by
deception
Vets' group
In their letter they say that vaccinations for many conditions including
distemper, cat flu and parva virus, last a lot longer than a year and
sometimes for life.

The letter said: "The present practice of marketing vaccinations for
companion animals may constitute fraud by misrepresentation, fraud by
silence and theft by deception."

BBC correspondent Angus Stickler said that vets send out
computer-generated letters telling people to take their pets in for
vaccinations "every year, year in, year out".

He said: "With �20 to �40 to pay and about 13m dogs and cats in the
country it's an industry worth tens of millions of pounds."

The letter also talks about an increase in the risk of "adverse
post-vaccination events" including a list of problems such as
auto-immune disorders, transient infections and a risk of cancer in cats.

Animal testing

Vaccination manufacturers say that, although they can test animals for
one or two years so they can give a minimum cover or immunity, it is
difficult to perform lifelong tests.

They say that to prove immunity lasts for three or four years, or for
life, would mean keeping and testing a large number of cats and dogs for
years on end.
We base our recommendations on the science and the science we have tells
us that we don't know how long immunity lasts in any individual animal
Intervet
David Sutton, a spokesman for Intervet, one of the world's largest
veterinary drug manufacturers, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We
base our recommendations on the science and the science we have tells us
that we don't know how long immunity lasts in any individual animal.

"What we do know is there are some animals that need more frequent
vaccination than others and our vaccine recommendations have to be based
on taking account of those animals."

The vets' warning comes as more than 6,000 vets from all over Europe
gather in Birmingham for the world's largest congress devoted to
domestic pet welfare.

One of the techniques up for discussion at the four-day event is
pheromonotherapy, used to help cats and dogs overcome fears and phobias.

The treatment is based on a study of chemicals, called pheromones,
secreted by canines and felines through glands on their body.

These convey messages to members of the same species about ownership of
territory, gender and mating availability.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/3588457.stm

Published: 2004/04/01 10:12:45 GMT

� BBC MMIV

1. All mandated vaccines should be required to be free of mercury in preservative levels – regardless of the age of the patient.
2. The requirement that patients be informed ANY TIME there is mercury present in ANY QUANTITIES in a vaccine, whether mandated or not, should take effect immediately.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NIH News

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/default.htm

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
12:00 p.m. E.T.

CONTACT:
Linda Joy
301-402-1663
ljoy@...


NIAID VACCINE PROTECTS AGAINST SARS VIRUS INFECTION IN MICE

An experimental vaccine prevents the SARS virus from
replicating in laboratory mice, according to a new report
in the April 1 issue of "Nature". Scientists at the Vaccine
Research Center (VRC) of the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National
Institutes of Health, developed the vaccine. The vaccine
was tested in a mouse model of SARS infection recently
validated by other NIAID investigators.

The VRC scientists are preparing further experiments to
evaluate the vaccine's safety and potential to induce
similar immune responses in humans. The vaccine contains a
small piece of SARS virus DNA, insufficient to reproduce
the SARS virus, yet able to stimulate a protective immune
response.

"This research was done in a remarkably short period of
time, a testament to the serious attention and great
cooperation the public health community has displayed in
response to SARS. It has been just one year from
identification of the SARS coronavirus to the development
of this vaccine that has now proven effective against SARS
in a laboratory animal," says Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.,
director of NIAID.

The DNA vaccine is made from a small piece of DNA that
codes for a coat protein normally found on the outer
surface of the SARS virus. This protein helps the SARS
virus gain access to living cells, where it can cause
infection. Because the DNA in the vaccine codes only for
the protein, by itself it is unable to cause infection.
NIAID scientists also modified the DNA so that it does not
match the virus' genetic sequence to minimize the risk of
it combining with the genetic material of SARS or other
coronaviruses.

Most existing vaccines use killed or weakened forms of a
whole virus or bacteria to protect against disease. This
DNA vaccine works by directing the body's cells to make
proteins very similar to those on the surface of the SARS
virus. These proteins trigger the immune system to mount a
defense effective enough to recognize and neutralize any
subsequent encounters with the actual SARS virus.

"This vaccine dramatically reduced the level of virus in
the lungs of infected mice, more than a million-fold," says
Gary J. Nabel, M.D., Ph.D., VRC director. "It represents a
critical first step towards developing an effective human
SARS vaccine." Dr. Nabel worked with Kanta Subbarao, M.D.,
in the NIAID Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, who
recently established the mouse model of SARS infection.

Testing the vaccine in mice demonstrated its effectiveness
and also helped scientists learn more about different
mechanisms the immune system uses to tackle the SARS virus.
The immune system typically responds to foreign invaders by
producing antibodies that bind them, cells that digest them
or both.

Scientists found that their experimental DNA vaccine caused
the immune system to produce both antibodies and cells
designed specifically to defend against the SARS virus.
They also determined, however, that the antibodies alone
were responsible for the dramatic reduction in virus
particles in mice that received the vaccine.

Scientists tested two versions of the vaccine in mice. The
two versions of the vaccine differed in how much genetic
material scientists removed from the original piece of SARS
DNA. They gave five mice three doses of one version of the
vaccine over a 6-week period. Another group of five mice
received three doses of the other version of the vaccine.
They also included a control group of five mice that
received an inactive or blank vaccine.

Thirty days later, the scientists exposed all the mice to
the SARS virus. After two days, the mice in the control
group had very high levels of SARS virus in their lungs.
The vaccinated mice had nearly negligible levels of SARS
virus in their lungs. The mice that received either version
of the modified DNA vaccine had one million times fewer
virus particles than the unvaccinated mice.

In preparation for human trials, Dr. Nabel says, Vical
Inc., San Diego, CA, under contract to NIAID, is
manufacturing a highly purified vaccine suitable for human
clinical trials, pending Food and Drug Administration
approval.

The SARS virus infected 8,098 people and killed 774
worldwide between Nov. 1, 2002, and July 31, 2003,
according to the World Health Organization. For more
information on SARS research, see NIAID's updated fact
sheet online at
<http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/sars.htm>.

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health,
an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. NIAID supports basic and applied research to
prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases such as
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections,
influenza, tuberculosis, malaria and illness from potential
agents of bioterrorism. NIAID also supports research on
transplantation and immune-related illnesses, including
autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies.

REFERENCES: Z Yang et al. A DNA vaccine induces SARS
coronavirus neutralization and protective immunity in mice.
"Nature" 428:561-4 (2004). DOI: 10.1038/nature02463.

K Subbarao et al. Prior infection and passive transfer of
neutralizing antibody prevent replication of severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the respiratory tract
of mice. "Journal of Virology" 78:10-16 (2004). DOI:
10.1128/JVI.78.7

Press releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related
materials are available on the NIAID Web site at
<http://www.niaid.nih.gov>.

##

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http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2004/niaid-31.htm

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