by National Vaccine Information Center

Today, NVIC sent out a press release citing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for engaging in intimidation in attacking NVIC and a flu prevention video sponsored by NVIC for Delta Air Lines in-flight programming during the month of November. NVIC is criticizing the AAP’s attempts to censor and block public access to full and accurate information about influenza.

NVIC was offered the opportunity to be a paid sponsor of a video about staying well during the flu season that would be included in Delta’s in-flight programming during November 2011. On Nov. 7,  Forbes magazine published an article with a copy of a letter signed by the AAP President Robert Block, MD, accusing Delta of “putting children’s lives at risk” by showing travelers the NVIC sponsored video because it contains “harmful messages.”

In the AAP letter, the Pharma-funded medical trade association alleged that “The [NVIC] ad urges viewers to become informed about influenza and how to stay well during the flu season without resorting to the influenza vaccine.”

NVIC Defends Free Speech, Right to Self Determination

NVIC co-founder and president Barbara Loe Fisher responded, “Without cause, the AAP has used their considerable financial resources and political influence to intimidate Delta for simply showing a video that offers accurate information about ways to stay healthy during the flu season, including talking with doctors about getting a flu shot. Censorship and attacks on consumer advocacy groups working to institute informed consent protections in public health policies should not be tolerated in this or any society that cherishes free speech and the right to self determination.”

Flu Vaccine Less Than 70 Percent Effective

The AAP letter stated that “influenza vaccine continues to be the best way to protect against the disease,” without acknowledging that a recently published scientific study found that the flu vaccine is less than 70 percent effective in preventing influenza, which confirms previous studies questioning influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness. A top flu expert at the CDC has said that about 80 percent of flu-like illness reported in the U.S. every year is not influenza but is caused by other viruses and bacteria.

“The AAP’s leadership is clearly threatened by educated consumers, who have every right to engage in critical thinking when making choices about how to stay healthy,” said Fisher. “Why is the AAP so afraid to admit that washing our hands, covering our mouths when coughing, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, exercising, and lowering stress are also important ways to stay well during the flu season and all year around?”

To read the entire press release and/or make a comment, click here.

Film News

 

NVIC Co-sponsors Premiere of The Greater Good at International Film Center in NYC Nov. 18 at 8 pm.

 

On Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m., NVIC and React to Film will co-sponsor the New York City International Film Center (IFC) premiere of the new groundbreaking documentary, THE GREATER GOOD, at the IFC, 323 Sixth Ave. at West Third Street. After the screening, React to Film will moderate a Q&A with the film’s writer/producer Leslie Manookian and Barbara Loe Fisher and Lawrence B. Palevsky, M.D., who are both featured in the film.

 

React to Film is a non-profit organization that showcases the best documentary films in order to activate young people around critical social issues. React to Film began as a film series to expose New York City’s media elite to critical social issues using the best documentary film on the subject and “aims to educate, inspire and ultimately be a call to action.”

 

There will also be a 4:10 matinee screening of the film on Nov. 18. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased on the IFC website. For a map and directions click here.

 

THE GREATER GOOD is an award winning film about the vaccination debate that involves vaccine science, regulation, policymaking, law and ethics. The film highlights three families affected by vaccine reactions and includes interviews with scientists, doctors and consumer advocates giving different perspectives about vaccination and health.

Published on November 16, 2011