By: Norma Erickson
The peaceful Irish countryside has been disturbed by what many Irish mothers consider an assault on their children – the introduction of Gardasil. When it comes to the health and safety of their children, Irish mothers set aside all political differences. That is just what is happening all across the country – concerned mothers and political activists have united to call a halt to the Irish HPV vaccination programme.
Gardasil was launched in Ireland much like it has been in other countries around the world; with a massive media campaign telling about the deadly risk of cervical cancer and how it can be avoided with a few simple injections of the latest ‘miracle vaccine.’
Several hundred Irish girls between the ages of 12 and 13 were offered their first jab of this ‘miracle vaccine’ in May 2010, when the pilot programme was launched in selected areas. 80% accepted the offer. When the time came for the second jab, only 64% took the government up on their offer. In September, the Irish government plans to offer Gardasil to the rest of the eligible girls throughout Ireland. Mothers around the country are expressing their sincere concerns.
These mothers have done their research. They know that the human papillomavirus does not cause cervical cancer. It is normally a benign virus that clears on its own, usually without any symptoms.
They know that regular pap screening can detect abnormal cells in and around the cervix before they progress to cancer. They know that early detection leads to effective and safe treatment before cancer cells form. They know that no one has ever been harmed by a pap test. They know no one has ever died after a pap test.
These mothers have watched, as over 18,600 reports of adverse events after HPV vaccine injections reported in the United States. They know that with only 1 to 10% of the victims actually filing reports, that there could be anywhere from 186,000 to 1,860,000 young women who have been injured in the United States alone.
These mothers wonder how many young women have actually died shortly after HPV vaccinations. There have been 78 reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the United States. Again, with only 1 to 10% actually reporting, that could mean there are between 780 and 7,800 others who are “one less.”
Irish mothers do not understand why a vaccine associated with so many serious risks has been introduced to solve a problem when there is already a safe and effective solution available and in use. They wonder if the vaccine offers any benefit at all, considering regular pap screening is still required after vaccination.
These mothers are voicing their concerns: writing letters to newspapers, distributing information leaflets, organizing conferences, and speaking out at every opportunity. They will not tolerate their children facing unnecessary risks when a safe and effective alternative is available.
Nora Bennis states, “Mothers Alliance Ireland is determined to continue our campaign to have this dangerous vaccine withdrawn BEFORE any more of our young girls are seriously hurt by it. We intend to do everything we can to stop it. We are calling for safe, affordable, necessary and effective vaccines to be made available to all, respecting at all times the right of people to refuse.”
Mairead Hilliard, Irish Vaccine Informed Parents, says, “I have been campaigning for some years that parents should be given the manufacturer’s information on State promoted vaccines so that they can make an informed choice before giving their consent to any vaccine, including the HPV vaccine. I think it is outrageous that Irish parents have been misled about the safety of the HPV vaccine.”
Freda Birrell, SaneVax, Inc., arrived in Ireland on holiday this August. She took the opportunity to meet with some Irish mothers who were totally against vaccinating young Irish schoolgirls with Gardasil.
She states, “Their dedication to the task in hand and their genuine concern for these girls was overwhelming. We bonded immediately and during the two week holiday many doors were opened to us – providing a window of opportunity to inform the Irish parents about the dangers of this vaccine and to protect their children at all costs.”
Jackie Hogan has been following the Gardasil vaccine for some time. The stories from around the world of young girls and their families who have suffered because of the adverse events following Gardasil vaccination have touched her deeply. She feels it is her duty to make sure parents are informed before they consent to HPV vaccination.
She says, “As parents, our priority is to protect our children and keep them safe from harm. Sometimes, out of fear we might jump in and make a hasty decision, believing information received from people in authority. We need to start relying on ourselves and trusting our own common sense. We need to make decisions on what WE feel is right for us and our children.”
Although the SaneVax team applauds any attempt to prevent cervical cancer, we wholeheartedly support all of these women in their efforts to make sure people have the information with which to make intelligent choices. They need to be able to compare the risk of contracting cervical cancer, as of 2000 it was 10.5/100,000 in Ireland; against the potential risks posed by the Gardasil vaccine. They need to know all of the possible side effects before they decide whether the vaccine is right for their children.
After all, the vaccine manufacturer, medical authorities, and the government are not responsible for caring for vaccine-injured children; their parents are.
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