Zostavax, MMR, Proquad Safety RE: Shingles information from Merck From:  Sent:Sat 10/20/07 1:04 AM   I am 55 years old, and by using myself as a human guinea-pig in vaccine experiments I have established that Zostavax (multiple doses) is safe for a guy my age, even when given one day after another, and when given in combination with MMR.  I have also had ProQuad, which is perfectly safe for my age group (at least as demonstrated by my example), and I have had dozens and dozens of MMR injections since January of 2005, all of which were perfectly safe even when given every day for weeks on end.  I have received MMR both before and after two or three dozen administrations of Flu-Zone (with 25 micrograms of mercury per dose), demonstrating that mercurics in conjunction with MMR don't cause autism (unless some other unexplained non-vaccine problem is at work).  I also have had about a dozen Td-tetanus shots since January 2005 (both from health dept. and Sanofi-Aventis/Aventis Pasteur) and am living proof that introducing that material into the mix is not injurious either, as demonstrated in this human.     I have read some of the transcripts from the case heard a few months back and can see the allegations are off-target, as shown by my experience.  If the judges ("grand-masters"), with their obviously limited knowledge of medicine, could benefit from a demonstration of the foregoing guinea-pig realities, I'd be happy to show them what I am talking about, ditto for the claimants, their lawyers, or the respondent attorneys.  Crohn's disease (or reasonable facsimile thereof) is evidence for an overactive autoimmune condition rather than an immune deficiency.  Since my various vaccine administrations have helped noticeably decrease my autoimmune problems at times, it is possible that re-administration of MMR could paradoxically diminish her Crohn's.  My pathophysiology involves predominantly eosinophils, along with lymphocytes and neutrophils.        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:31:15 -0400 From:  To:  Subject: Shingles information from Merck  Read Full Prescribing Information    ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent Shingles.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Patient Information about ZOSTAVAX   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   (pronounced "ZOS tah vax") Generic name: Zoster Vaccine Live  You should read this summary of information about ZOSTAVAX before you are vaccinated. If you have any questions about ZOSTAVAX after reading the following information, you should ask your healthcare provider. This information does not take the place of talking about ZOSTAVAX with your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider can decide if ZOSTAVAX is right for you.  Learn more about ZOSTAVAX by clicking on each link below:  What is ZOSTAVAX and how does it work?  What do I need to know about Shingles and the virus that causes it?  Who should not get ZOSTAVAX?  How is ZOSTAVAX given?  What should I tell my healthcare provider before I get ZOSTAVAX?  What are the possible side effects of ZOSTAVAX?  What are the ingredients of ZOSTAVAX?  What else should I know about ZOSTAVAX?     What is ZOSTAVAX and how does it work?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent Shingles (also known as zoster). ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).  ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting Shingles. If you do get Shingles even though you have been vaccinated, ZOSTAVAX may help prevent the nerve pain that can follow Shingles in some people. ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat Shingles once you have it.  Back to Top  What do I need to know about  Shingles and the virus that causes it?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become active again and give you Shingles. Age and problems with the immune system may increase your chances of getting Shingles.  Shingles is a rash that is usually on one side of the body. The rash begins as a cluster of small red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes usually last up to 30 days and, for most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.  Back to Top  Who should not get ZOSTAVAX?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you:  are allergic to any of its ingredients. are allergic to gelatin or neomycin. have a weakened immune system (for example, an immune deficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS). take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth. are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.   You should not get ZOSTAVAX to prevent chickenpox.  Children should not get ZOSTAVAX.  Back to Top  How is ZOSTAVAX given?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ZOSTAVAX is given as a single dose by injection under the skin.  Back to Top  What should I tell my healthcare  provider before I get ZOSTAVAX?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   You should tell your healthcare provider if you:  have or have had any medical problems. take any medicines, including non-prescription medicines, and dietary supplements. have any allergies, including allergies to neomycin or gelatin. had an allergic reaction to another vaccine. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. are breast-feeding.   Tell your healthcare provider if you expect to be in close contact (including household contact) with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system. Your healthcare provider can tell you what situations you may need to avoid.  Back to Top  What are the possible side effects of ZOSTAVAX?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   The most common side effects that people in the clinical studies reported after receiving the vaccine include:  redness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth, or bruising where the shot was given. headache.   Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive ZOSTAVAX.  Back to Top  What are the ingredients of ZOSTAVAX?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Active Ingredient: a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. Inactive Ingredients: sucrose, hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate, sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium chloride.  Back to Top  What else should I know about ZOSTAVAX?   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Vaccinees and their healthcare providers are encouraged to call to report any exposure to ZOSTAVAX during pregnancy.  This information summarizes important information about ZOSTAVAX.  If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider or visit the website. Back to Top  For additional information, please read the Prescribing Information.  Rx Only Issued July 2007  ZOSTAVAX is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Copyright © 2007 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.     Please read our privacy policy to learn about how Merck protects your personal information.  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