DR's Oppose Maryland Vaccine Roundup

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http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,226269.shtmlDOCTORS OPPOSE MARYLAND VACCINE ROUNDUP: Expect Dangerous Reactions WhenChildren Are Treated Like CattlePosted : Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:31:43 GMTAuthor : The Association of American Physicians and SurgeonsCategory : PressReleaseNews Alerts by Email click here )PressRelease News | Create your own RSS | HomeWASHINGTON, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of AmericanPhysicians and Surgeons today condemned the "vaccine roundup" executed inPrince Georges county Maryland this week, and promised to do everything itcan to support parents who refuse to immunize their children."This power play obliterates informed consent and parental rights," saidKathryn Serkes, director of policy for the Association of AmericanPhysicians and Surgeons (AAPS), one of the few national physician groupsthat refuse corporate funding from pharmaceutical companies.In a scenario reminiscent of cattle round-ups, the state's attorney hasissued summons to more than 1600 parents of children who have not providedcertificates of immunization for their children. But instead of toting acattle prod, this state's attorney chooses to wield a syringe to keep the"herd" in line.Parents have been told to appear in Court on Saturday, and to subject theirchildren to on-the-spot state-mandated vaccines of up 17 vaccine doses, orface imprisonment. Parents who ignore the court's demands could face a $50fine for every day their child is out of compliance or up to 10 days in jail."This campaign of intimidation to brutally enforce blanket vaccine mandatesby government agencies and the school district gives no consideration forthe rights of the parents or the individual medical condition of thechild," said Serkes.Children should be carefully screened, medical records taken and decisionsmade carefully - not in an ad hoc assembly-line clinic in a countycourtroom and under the brutal watch of law enforcement. This is a man-madedisaster ready and waiting to detonate. Children could receive a dangerouscocktail of several vaccines without proper examinations. "The procedure isreckless and subjects children to the risk of severe reactions. Physicianswould not be allowed to treat children in this way, without individualhistories and physical exams - or informed consent," said Jane M. Orient,M.D., AAPS Executive Director.Money and politics may be at the center of the round of threats. The schooldistrict will lose a substantial amount of state funding if students do notcomply with the vaccine mandate. "Apparently the district wants that money,even if it gets it off the backs of children," said Serkes.Mr. Ivey apparently has no problem invoking his own right to informedconsent and parental control. In a radio interview on Thursday, he admittedthat he has chosen to refuse the hepatitis B vaccines for his own children."It's interesting that parents have to ask the state's permission by filinga form if they want to make the same decision for their children that hemade for his own," said Dr. Orient.But his galling hypocrisy clearly demonstrates that not every vaccine isright for every child, particularly one such as the hepatitis B.In their efforts to help the targeted parents, AAPS is contacting as manyof them as possible to educate them about their rights under Maryland lawand questions to ask before deciding whether vaccination is appropriate fortheir child (see below). "We'll do our best to help the parents make aninformed decision," said Serkes. Representatives will also be on hand atthe courthouse on Saturday, and AAPS is working to set up a legal team tohelp parents who refuse the vaccinations.AAPS will also work with the National Vaccine Information Center to makesure parents are informed on how to report any adverse reactions to theVaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Such reporting is actuallyrequired, but even medical professionals are lax about filing the reports.Don't expect the police to do it. The State's Attorney General, themanufacturers, and the people giving the shots are immune from liability ifthe shots hurt somebody, however.AAPS is also acting as coordinator for the "Hands Off Our Kids" coalitionof parents across the country who were instrumental in overturning TexasGovernor Perry's executive order requiring the HPV vaccine for school girlslast spring. The coalition is appealing to Gov. O'Malley to intervene inthe case and work with the legislature to pass a philosophical exemptionprovision. (The letter to the governor is posted athttp://www.aapsonline.org/.)"All eyes are on PG County," said Serkes. "It's not just a local now, andparents across the country are ready to fight."National Vaccine Information Center "8 Questions to Ask Before VaccinatingYour Child"1. Is my child sick right now? 2. Has my child had a bad reaction to avaccination before?3. Does my child have a personal or family history of: vaccine reactions,convulsions or neurological disorders, severe allergies or immune systemdisorders4. Do I know if my child is at high risk of reacting? 5. Do I know how toidentify a vaccine reaction? 6. Do I know how to report a vaccine reaction?7. Do I know the vaccine manufacturer's name and lot number? 8. Do I know Ihave a choice?The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.

 

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