Kingston's Branch 98 remembers

Gord

- November 11, 2012 at 23:05:50

“How does the Canadian Forces define integrity?” I was on duty with the Canadian Forces in 2009 when I received the H1N1 shot (AREPANRIX by GlaxoSmithKline) and had a severe adverse reaction resulting in PERMANENT neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, irregular heart rhythms, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and pain, and numbness in hands and feet. My physical fitness changed from special forces fit to that of a 70 year old in a matter of days. The Department of National Defence (DND) ordered all personnel to attend the vaccination, but claimed the vaccination was voluntary. Prior to receiving the vaccination, the DND advised personnel the H1N1 Influenza "could cause a virtual shut down of military operations", " Just because you've never caught the flu in the past is not a valid reason to not get the H1N1 shot this year", "Be proactive. We all have a role to play in minimizing our risk and being prepared", "Personnel ... must provide proof of the vaccination ... otherwise, they will be required to attend the clinic (flu)" and "Without your past record (of immunization), you will have to be re-immunized". According to “Canada First Defence Strategy ... first and foremost, the Canadian Forces must ensure the security of our citizens ... requires the Forces not only to identify threats ... but also to possess the capacity to address them quickly and effectively”. Personnel who volunteered to take the H1N1 vaccination were preventing a virtual shut down of military operations which ensured the CF maintained the capacity to provide security to its citizens. Veterans Affairs has taken the position that injuries resulting from this vaccination are not service related and personnel are not eligible for rehabilitation. The DND also advised "having mild chills and fever a few days following the shot means it is working" which is false and contradicts GSKs product information provided by Health Canada. The DND also stated "There is a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of acquiring a serious neurological complication" which is false and contradicts the product information which states "neurological disorders" are "very rare (may occur with up to 1 in 10,000 doses)", a significant difference. According to DAOD 5028-0, the DND and CF are aware of the concept of “informed consent” and understand its purpose which, according to Health Canada, is “information given to participants (which) should provide adequate information for the participant to make an informed decision about his/her participation”. The DND listed 3 of the 28 side effects, two of which were the most common and least bothersome and significantly understated the risk of a neurological disorder. However, the DND did provide a detailed list of "Symptoms of H1N1 Pandemic Influenza: Almost always: Sudden onset of cough and fever, Common: Fatigue, Muscle aches, Sore throat, Headache, Decreased appetite, Runny nose, Sometimes: Nausea Vomiting, Diarrhea, Most Patients say its like getting 'hit by a bus'!!". Thus soldiers were “informed” their choice was chills and fever or getting hit by a bus. PSYOPS or Psychological Operations use methods of communication and other means in order to influence perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour, affecting the achievement of military objectives. In order to use PSYOPS domestically it must be directly requested/approved by Cabinet and be in accordance with applicable Canadian law and Canadian doctrine.

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