Crissy Weibert, a local registered nurse, has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop an alleged plan for mandatory vaccination of all American citizens, citing in particular the H1N1 'swine flu) vaccine now under development.
Weibert asserts that the federal government has given the World Health Organization the right to enforce mandatory vaccinations through martial law by virtue of the declaration of a level 6 pandemic.
But according to Joe Russell, director of Flathead City-County Health Department, no agency has any plans for mandatory vaccinations for H1N1 flu.
"Nothing could be farther from the truth," Russell said. "It's voluntary."
He said the swine flu vaccine remains in development and testing without even a set distribution date, although it will probably be later this year.
The health department plans to offer voluntary seasonal flu vaccinations beginning in October as usual, with additional clinics for voluntary swine flu immunizations.
Weibert isn't convinced by Russell's reassurances of voluntary vaccinations, remaining fearful of a World Health Organization usurpation of authority because of the pandemic declaration.
"Dr. Bill Deagle talks a lot about it," Weibert said, referring to a frequent radio talk-show guest and host. Deagle, a former general practitioner, remains a highly controversial figure with numerous videos on Internet sites. A state of Colorado Website reports that his license to practice medicine was revoked in 2007 and that he subsequently moved to Canada.
Weibert said Deagle's commentaries inspired a meeting of about 50 people held near Polson. At that meeting, she decided to file a suit in Flathead County and another person planned to file a similar document in Lake County.
Her filing, based on a template provided through Deagle, alleges that the H1N1 virus was man-made and describes the vaccine as a "biological weapon," alleging multiple problems such as "toxin adjuvants' and 'stealth pathogens."
Adjuvants are pharmalogical or immunological agents that modify the effect of other agents such as vaccines or drugs. Her filing lists squalene oils as a problem agent, alleging it induces "adjuvant lupus, multiple sclerosis type and other autoimmune diseases' and a host of other problems.
Weibert said she realizes these allegations sound outlandish but she said her personal research and experience provides cause for concern about vaccines in general. As a nurse, she refuses to administer any vaccines.
The action, assigned to Flathead County District Court Judge Ted Lympus, is a "complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief and damages for intent to cause bodily harm." Weibert said she expects Lympus may deny her complaint.
"If it goes forth, we'll call in expert witnesses that will floor everyone," she said. "We want to raise awareness and stop mass vaccinations."
Weibert said she was most familiar with childhood vaccinations, which she blames for her daughter's autism. She was worried enough by Deagle's claims about H1N1 vaccine and forced vaccinations to invest $300 in filing the suit and more in the future, if necessary, to prosecute it.
Deagle's shows and discussions generated from them have launched some public concern, triggering calls to Flathead City-County Health Department and the Daily Inter Lake. One caller was alarmed by a false rumor that the U.N. had an army headed here to force vaccinations.
Russell said he has had several discussions with people convinced of a conspiracy and fearful of the H1N1 vaccine, which has just begun human trials. Some cite the debacle of the first swine flu vaccine, produced more than 30 years ago.
According to Russell, the FDA won't repeat those mistakes made in haste as illness swept the country. Under public pressure, the government rushed into distribution a vaccine that caused some deaths and adverse reactions.
"We learned from that fiasco," he said.
Far from forcing people to receive the vaccine, most government reports on the Internet focus on producing enough to meet public demand. The priority groups include pregnant women; health care and emergency services workers; children, adolescents and young adults up to age 24; household and caregivers of children younger than six months; and healthy adults with certain medical conditions.
"There's thought that people over 50 have some immunity," so the elderly were not listed as a priority group, but won't be denied vaccine, Russell said.
Russell denies that the new vaccine contains toxin adjuvants and stealth pathogens. He said the FDA monitors every step of development.
He acknowledges that some people view the United States as run by a shadow government involving the U.N. and World Health Organization. Russell said some are even fanatical in their beliefs, which causes him concern.
"If people get worked up into a frenzy, I'm worried about our staff," he said. "We're going to keep an eye on this movement."
Weibert said she doesn't expect any violence as long as no one forces her to take a vaccination she doesn't want.
"No one better infringe on my liberty and rights," she said.
Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com
kmax1232
Sorry to disappoint but we just heard from our infection control officer at our hospital about the "mandatory swine flu vaccine." Very disturbing considering that there may be Squalene in the vaccine. Any of you who do not know what Squalene in vaccines does should educate yourself and pass on the vaccine until that can make a safe one.
kalispelldude
redhawk: Logistics?? Are you kidding me? did you know that the state of Montana has made the chicken pox vaccine mandatory for children that have not yet had chicken pox? They can't go to school if they don't have it. No conspiracy there. Sign posted right in my kids' daycare says it. I personally don't necessarily think all vaccines are bad, but it's certainly not wide to question such a potentially deadly one. Your simple logic is wrong. Why do you label EVERY RESISTANCE to gov't as a conspiracy theory? Are we really that nieve to believe that EVERYTHING the gov't es and says to us is OK and safe? Talk about a fantasy world, anyone who believes this is livin' in one!
redhawk
Need I say more?! Chickenpox, hmm, ever heard of shingles...? There are a whole bunch of kids who don't get vaccinated in schools. Religious exemption. If you don't vaccinate your kids that is still your right. Just keep your potentially dangerous disease carrying kids away from other people. The diseases they carry could kill someone with a compromised immune system.
amazingrace
Another Stokes follower??? Can't these people think for themselves.
Flovilla
So grace, if somebody shares the same ideas as another person they are a "follower" and do not think for themselves?
kalispelldude
Oh yes, let's believe everything our wonderful gov't tells us. They would never not have our best interests in mind. Just look at this wonderful health care bill. I'm so glad they want to decide when I should live and when I should die and how many children I should have. Oh thank you thank you thank you mr. obama. Way to do your research Candace, you outdid yourself on this one. What the hell else do you think the health dept is going to say? "Oh yes, the 'conspiracy theories are true. We are planning mass forced vaccinations.'" Of course not. And it's not like he would know all that the FDA and WHO have planned. Candace your own personal bias shines through in this article, or at least your desire to cater to those that don't believe our gov't would ever try anything like what is being proposed through the health acre bill. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! STOP TRYING TO SEEM SMART AND GET WISE. And the poor FDA, being FORCED by the public to release a vaccine that was dangerous (the previous swine flu vaccine that killed people). If your sole purpose for existence is supposedly to "protect
kalispelldude
people from harmful and potential harmful FOOD AND DRUGS," why would you release a vaccine you KNOW is dangerous, just to satisfy public demand? What a load of CRAP!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
riverstone
Thank you Chrissy Weibert! Some people are true Americans who believe in our right to our own beliefs. There is an evil in our land and people refuse to see it. But then agin, some people will always see it and will always do angelic work for their fellow human beings.
nero
Let the conspiracy people have their theories. Then everyone else can get the vaccine and they can get the swine flu.
redhawk
Wait a minute here...we have a nurse who REFUSES to administer vaccinations!? Get another job. Nothing is completely safe, vaccines included, but the diseases we vaccinate against can kill you. Nice case of polio anyone!? Of course, the conspiracy nuts really want a conspiracy, because that would mean that at least someone is in charge. Nope folks, we can't get 3 count commissioners to agree on where the fairgrounds should be...life is random. Deal with it.
nero
Let the conspiracy people have their theories. We can get the vaccine and they can get the swine flu.
MT-TXMOM
I will never get that shot even if it goes mandatory .It is my religious right as an American to decide what is right for me as I see it. I do not believe in conspiracies nor do I listen to Stokes.
redhawk
What does religion have to do with vaccines? Oh yeah, I forgot...some religion is based on not believing in science...or rationality...or tolerance...
kalispelldude
What does science have to do with this debate, especially when scientists themselves disagree regarding the swine flu and subsequent vaccines? And what does it have to do with our rights as citizens? No vaccine should EVER be FORCED. That's the point. IF you want to get the vaccines, fine. That's your right. It's also your right to refuse them. That's America. And how is it rational to believe everything the gov't spews form their lips? True science is testing the status quo, including what the gov't decides "is best for us." You must work for a pharmaceutical company, redhawk.
amazingrace
Flovilla: All I'm saying is here is an "apparent intelligent" woman who made it through nursing school (maybe NOT at the top of her class) and can't see the importance of vaccines. Does Polio say anything? IF she has religious convictions against vaccination, so be it, but stop the conspiracy BS.
redhawk
Nope, I don't work for 'the man!' Simple logic will tell you that the logistics of forcible vaccination would not be possible. Get a grip. Sorry to disappoint, but no conspiracy. I have however worked in nursing homes, and personally saw elderly people DIE because some fool brought her unvaccinated children in to see granny...who died along with several other residents. Don't vaccinate if that's what you choose, but stay away from me!
MT-TXMOM
Mandatory? It is an invasion on our bodies. We do not know if it is even needed. It will be a sad day for Americans if it is enforced. We want the freedom to choose what we think is best for ourselves! DO NOT LET THEM FORCE THIS ON YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES!!!!!
MontanaJim
This lady is taking the word of guy she heard on the radio who had his medical license revoked. That sure sounds like well thought out reasoning. If she thinks like this, I don't want her giving me a shot of any kind. Another nut case. Maybe she should join up with the guy from Whitefish who tried to pass off his ski pass as part of his drivers license. Turn off Stokes and try to form a rational thought of your own.
DavidS
Crissy Weibert really brought her fellow loonies out from under their rocks with this. The judge should dismiss her suit out of hand.