Local woman files suit over fears of mandatory vaccine

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 A state of Colorado Website reports that his license to practice medicine was revoked in 2007 and that he subsequently moved to Canada.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