Oct 27, 2009 3:25pm

Obama’s Daughters Get the H1N1 Vaccine

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: The White House announced today that the president’s daughters received the H1N1 vaccine after it became available to Washington, D.C. schoolchildren. The vaccine was administered last week to Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8, by a White House physician, who applied for and received the vaccine from the D.C. Department of Health, “using the same process as every other vaccination site in the District,” according to the first lady’s Press Secretary Katie McCormick-Lelyveld. The president and first lady have not yet received the vaccination. The White House said they will wait until the needs of priority target groups – young people under 24, pregnant women, and people with underlying conditions – receive theirs first. “I suspect that I may come fairly far down the line,” The president told CNN last month. “We want to get vaccinated. We think it's the right thing to do. We will stand in line like everybody else. And when folks say it's our turn, that's when we'll get it. On Friday President Obama signed a proclamation declaring H1N1 a national emergency.  All four members of the first family received the seasonal flu shot last week. — Sunlen Miller

User Comments

Good, hopefully this shuts up the tin foil brigade spreading rumors that the vaccine is some sort of government conspiracy. Although, since I am still waiting to find a shot for myself I see that particular delusion as a bit of Darwin working to ration the shots out to the sane.

Posted by: jhw539 | October 27, 2009, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm

Good, hopefully this shuts up the tin foil brigade spreading rumors that the vaccine is some sort of government conspiracy. Although, since I am still waiting to find a shot for myself I see that particular delusion as a bit of Darwin working to ration the shots out to the sane.
____________________________________
Hahaha . …

Posted by: julieterra | October 27, 2009, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm

Looking at the number of kids verified to have been killed by the flu annually (thousands) versus the number of kids verified to have become autistic or die from the vaccine (tens), I think she’s on the responsible parent side of things.
The swine flu vaccine tested out safe, has been empirically shown to develop antibodies that were effective against the live H1N1 virus samples, and I want it for my spouse, child and myself as soon as I can get it. I trust science over wild conspiracy theories.

Posted by: jhw539 | October 27, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm

“Worldwide deaths from measles plunged 74 percent between 2000 and 2007, according to a new report, and experts say the trend is clear evidence that an international campaign to increase measles vaccination rates is working.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, the number of deaths fell from 750,000 to 197,000.”
The vaccine luddites seem to forget the polio scourge among others and how vaccination has reduced deaths from childhood illnesses to minimal levels.

Posted by: Ryan C | October 27, 2009, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm

Thimersol (mercury)in vaccines causes autism. ABC doesn’t want you to know so they may delete this post.

Posted by: wapado | October 27, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm

This use of the children’s medical information is disgusting .

Posted by: nat turner | October 27, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm

“Thimersol (mercury)in vaccines causes autism.”
So austism cases dropped severely when thiomersal was removed from vaccines in 1999 right?
Oh yeah autism rates have been unchanged.
“Most conclusively, eight major studies (as of 2008) examined the effect of reductions or removal of thiomersal from vaccines. All eight demonstrated that autism rates failed to decline despite removal of thiomersal, arguing strongly against a causative role”

Posted by: Ryan C | October 27, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm

don’t be a fool ryan; thimersol is still there. Take a look at the flu shot. Oh, but nobody gets that one.
It’s also in most mutlidose vaccines which are cheaper and more convenient than the alternative. You would only get mercury free if you asked for it and nobody does that since they are stupid enough to buy the vaccine propaganda in the first place.

Posted by: wapado | October 27, 2009, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm

“don’t be a fool ryan; thimersol is still there.”
A vaccine luddite is arguing that a compound removed still causes autism.
“In February 2009, this court also ruled on three autsim-related cases, each exploring different mechanisms that plaintiffs proposed linked thiomersal-containing vaccines with autism. Three judges independently found no evidence that vaccines caused autism and denied the plaintiffs compensation. Since these same mechanisms formed the basis for the vast majority of remaining autism-related vaccine injury cases, the chance for compensation in any of these cases have significantly decreased”

Posted by: Ryan C | October 27, 2009, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm

How do you know it is true that Obama’s girls were vaccinated. Sure they were

Posted by: Deb | October 27, 2009, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm

Ryan C. doesn’t want you to know that the flu shot has mercury in it. It causes autism. ABC doesn’t want you to know so they may delete this post

Posted by: BrianEly | October 27, 2009, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm

I never get the vaccine, but if you want it go for it. Unless you are a research scientist intimately involved in researching the effects of the vaccine, you have no idea what the effects are one way or another. Maybe it is fine, maybe it is not, but this flu seems to be very mild. It is all over the state where I live, and pretty much everyone is getting through it just fine. I do believe the government trumps up fear, in this case with the vaccine, to justify their existence. Besides if the flu is really bad, they can say “I told you so”, and, if it is mild, they can say that “We were prepared just in case”.

Posted by: Huh | October 27, 2009, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm

How is it that the president’s children are more important than our own children concerning access to this vaccine? Here locally in New Mexico you can not have what limited vaccine there is unless you fall in the guidelines of ages 2-4 or compromised health. His children seem to be quite healthy, thankfully.

Posted by: marina | October 27, 2009, 6:19 pm 6:19 pm

It seems to me that the President should get the vaccine for national security reasons without waiting for other priority groups.

Posted by: Concerned | October 27, 2009, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm

Some persons who are knowledgeable about autism are suspecting that the 800% rise in autism is due to a “perfect storm” of several factors only one of which is not just the over vaccinating of our nation’s babies and toddlers but, also, the proliferation of wireless technology in our culture along with the use of pesticides and herbicides and, perhaps, genetically modified foods that we consume.

Posted by: fleur | October 27, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm

marina, maybe you should read more carefully before you comment. It wasn’t just the President’s children who received the shot but many of the children in that city.
As far as finding a shot in your state, that depends on your state’s health department and how they are distributing the vaccines they receive. There are such wide differences in availability from state to state. In general, the H1N1 virus seems to affect the young more seriously than older folks. When it is available in my area, I will make sure my kids get a shot, but I can’t see getting one for myself until the highest risk groups have received them.

Posted by: Lydia | October 27, 2009, 9:22 pm 9:22 pm

Not everyone is getting through swine flu “just fine”; here in New Mexico perfectly healthy children and adults have died (and are dying) of H1N1. As a mother I very much would like my children to have the vaccine. Unfortunately it simply is not available to my healthy children at this time.

Posted by: Karen | October 27, 2009, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm

The availability of the vaccine seems to vary a lot by location. My pregnant wife was able to get the vaccine last week in Virginia but it’s kind of strange the govt is putting out public service announcements urging people to get the vaccine when it’s not available.

Posted by: Concerned | October 27, 2009, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm

Some persons who are knowledgeable about autism are suspecting that the 800% rise in autism is due to a “perfect storm” of several factors
Posted by: fleur
and there are others who state that the increases in reported cases demonstrate that the scope and definition of autism has been expanded as well as more cases are reported under the newer definitiosn, ..
btw: re: the use of pesticides and herbicides
there was a time where the same kind of scientific denial and attacks by corporations, and lobbyists on science we see today, were
thrown at Rachael Carson and her book Silent Spring

Posted by: Oh Yeah | October 28, 2009, 1:28 am 1:28 am

ot everyone is getting through swine flu “just fine”;
Posted by: Karen
very true, in N.J. a high school student was fine on Friday, went home, had a fever, and eventually died very quickly from swine flu
for those who have never known the ravages of unchecked contagious diseases in The US, speak to your grand parents if you still have them around, about measles, mumps, flu pandemics, and the horrors of polio before inoculations were available..

Posted by: Oh Yeah | October 28, 2009, 1:35 am 1:35 am

hmm i wonder if why there is no link between autism and thimerosal that a federal judge just conceded and awarded compensation…
i also wonder why anyone in their right mind believes thimerosal has been removed from the vaccine:
“The 5-mL multidose vial formulation contains thimerosal, a mercury derivative, added as a preservative. Each 0.5-mL dose from the multidose vial contains 25 mcg mercury.”
Why don’t we look at the littany of adverse side effects linked to fluvrin (which is the vaccine from the “pandemic” in 1976, which this insert admits is created through the same process)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
• If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. (5.1)
• Immunocompromised persons may have a reduced immune response to Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine. (5.2)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Adverse Reaction information is based on studies conducted with seasonal trivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine manufactured by Novartis (FLUVIRIN).”
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
Novartis’ Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine and seasonal trivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine (FLUVIRIN®) are manufactured by the same process. The data in this section were obtained from clinical studies and postmarketing experience with FLUVIRIN.
• Body as a whole: Local injection site reactions (including pain, pain limiting limb movement, redness, swelling, warmth, ecchymosis, induration), hot flashes/flushes; chills; fever; malaise; shivering; fatigue; asthenia; facial edema.
• Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions (including throat and/or mouth edema). In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions have lead to anaphylactic shock and death.
• Cardiovascular disorders: Vasculitis (in rare cases with transient renal involvement), syncope shortly after vaccination.
• Digestive disorders: Diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain. • Blood and lymphatic disorders: Local lymphadenopathy; transient thrombocytopenia.
• Metabolic and nutritional disorders: Loss of appetite.
• Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia; myalgia; myasthenia.
• Nervous system disorders: Headache; dizziness; neuralgia; paraesthesia; confusion;
febrile convulsions; Guillain-Barré Syndrome; myelitis (including encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis); neuropathy (including neuritis); paralysis (including Bell’s Palsy).
• Respiratory disorders: Dyspnea; chest pain; cough; pharyngitis; rhinitis.
• Skin and appendages: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; sweating; pruritus; urticaria; rash
(including non-specific, maculopapular, and vesiculobulbous).
so much for the tinfoil hat huh? i cant believe the people who still take in all the bs from the shillocracy that is the lame stream media hook line and sinker, probably the same people that think saddam really had WMD and something to do with 9-11.

Posted by: kevin | October 28, 2009, 1:55 am 1:55 am

Yeah, I’m sure they got shots alright. I’m very sure that they got “Saline Solution” Shots and not Swine Flu shots. They don’t trust the ‘man’.

Posted by: Mary McK | October 28, 2009, 5:03 am 5:03 am

Gracious, I have to agree with Ryan C on something. Will the world keep spinning in an orderly fashion?
I am saddened by the anti-vaccine luddites who are creating dangerous conditions by not only refusing to be vaccinated but also by scaring others into following their lead. I am disappointed in both Glenn Beck and Bill Maher for pushing this attitude.
And get a grip, people. The Obama girls were vaccinated only after the vaccine was made available for all DC area schoolchildren. No special privileges, but setting a good example. The Obamas got this one just right.

Posted by: moderate | October 28, 2009, 9:32 am 9:32 am

It is amazing to read all these posts both negative and positive. We all have opinions good and bad. But it’s each persons own individual decision. Scaring people are not the best way to handle these situations. Alot of people are misinformed and do not understand these precautions therefore like to scare others. Keep it to yourselves…….

Posted by: Lisa | October 28, 2009, 10:43 am 10:43 am

There is no definitive proof that thimerosol causes autism.
Thimerosol has been removed from all other pediatric vaccines, but is contained in the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.

Posted by: nonni | October 28, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm

all you people that are getting these h1n1 shots and flu shots are functionally illiterate both contain very harmful agents such as,antifreeze [eithaline glycol] mercury, saqaleen, petro oil in water, fermedahide and many more, all harm ful to humans and you idoitic people want to give this to your children without any care of the ingredants no wonder america has the problems it has today

Posted by: bo jones md | October 28, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm

My husband is a Vet….and he’s been getting his yearly Flu shot from the VA for years…….and so have millions of Americans…….what’s the problem now. Get the Dam Flu shot or hide in your bunkers.

Posted by: sara | October 28, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm

And Mary Mck is the prime example of the “ignorance” that is prevalent in this country …….

Posted by: sara | October 28, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm

It’s like there is a small but extremely paranoid core of Americans who react with alarm to any changes. Whatever they are eg healtcare reform, whatever. It’s just so pathetic.
They are scared of a flu shot but they’ll eat junk and fast food ’til they drop. It’s more likely they’ll die from eating that crap than a flu shot.

Posted by: teresa | October 28, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm

Marina. Can you not read. Look just read the story again.And get the facts right.
I’d double check your facts on access in your town. Don’t listen to rumor that’s just stupid. Go ask a damn doctor.

Posted by: teresa | October 28, 2009, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm

Sorry … I just don’t buy it. I doubt they got the same shots that are going around for the US public. Or a shot at all.

Posted by: EHSports | October 28, 2009, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm

Ummmm shouldn’t we be prepared just in case?!?

Posted by: Jenn | October 28, 2009, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

hey nonni why don’t you google “Government Concedes Vaccine-Autism Case in Federal Court – Now What?” and see.. if there is no proof then why did a federal judge concede a link and award compensation? another talking point meme debunked by you government/pharma shills that have no conscience of deliberately feeding disinfo while people get debilitated on a daily basis from these toxic vaccines.

Posted by: kevin | October 29, 2009, 2:57 am 2:57 am

People blindly following Obama, how pathetic.

Posted by: Jeff | October 30, 2009, 11:43 am 11:43 am

There are two different shots. The dangerous vaccine is not what these girls got. Notice it was administered by the white house. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

Posted by: ImagePhreak | October 30, 2009, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm

I don’t know what to think anymore. Is it true that the vaccine has mercury in it? If so, why don’t the pro-vaccine advocates have anything to say about that.
RJ

Posted by: RJSoftware | October 31, 2009, 8:18 am 8:18 am

Hey- people who are afraid to give your kids a vaccine to help them- YOU had Thermisal in EVERY vaccine you ever got as a kid and you are OK. So a crazy, liberal judge decided it was the govt’s fault a kid has autism- don’t believe it. How the heck would that guy know? It’s a silly court case. Another judge gave someone millions for spilling McDonald’s coffee on themselves! What is known is that there has never, ever been a link between vaccines and autism. Autism appears to be genetic and seems more prone to older mothers. We are lucky to live in an age where we can have vaccines to protect us from deadly illnesses. Don’t be stupid, help your children. They would most likely be OK but what if they weren’t? My kids were vaccinated and they are almost the only kids in my entire neighborhood that hasn’t come down with H1N1 over the last week. Some of them have gotten REALLY ill. Why would you do that to your kid if you could stop it? It’s made the same way as the regular flu shot!!! Be smart! Research and don’t listen to talking heads on your TV!

Posted by: sara | October 31, 2009, 11:10 pm 11:10 pm

Well I don’t know what is true but I do know that there could be many different reasons for autism. What about the fact that the use of DRUGS in labor and birth have gone up so much in the passed 10years that people think that’s “norm”. Then the c- section rate is almost always on the rise too. Do u think these things could go hand in hand with autism? Maybe. Think about that! Research it. We all make choices biased on risk and benefit or at lease I hope we do.

Posted by: Jen | November 9, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am

The Amish do not get vaccines and the autism rate is 1:15,000. Our kids get vaccines and the rate is 1:166 (which I think is even higher now). The problem with the “we got vaccines and we’re o.k. argument” is that we didn’t get near as many vaccines as these kids do now. Kids by the age of 2 only got 3 vaccines when I was a kid, now-a-days,it’s 22 vaccines by 2 years old.

Posted by: cathyw | November 11, 2009, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm

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