Business

Why are we still subjecting our children to the COVID-19 vaccine? VAERS reports over 1,000 adverse events in children under 5 years old

Published

2 years ago

September 15, 2022

Paul Junor

Photo by Jeffrey Riley on Unsplash

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been so much interesting data that has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on its weekly Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS is the primary source of information that is authorized by the U.S federal government to report adverse vaccine reactions in America.

According to the website: vaers.hhs.gov, it is a national early warning system to detect possible safety problems in U.S licensed vaccines. It is co-managed by the CDC and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The website notes it is a passive reporting system, meaning it relies on individuals to send in reports of their experiences to CDC and FDA. It was started in 1990 and is not designed to determine if a vaccine caused a health problem, but is especially useful for detecting unusual or unexpected patterns of adverse event reporting that might indicate a possible safety problem with a vaccine.

The primary objectives of VAERS are to:

Detect new unusual or rare vaccine adverse events
Monitor increases in known adverse events
Identify potential risk factors for types of adverse events
Assess the safety of newly licensed vaccines
Determine and address possible reporting clusters
Recognize persistent safe-use problems and administration errors
Provide a national safety monitoring system that extends to the entire general population for response to public health emergencies such as a large-scale
Pandemic influenza vaccination problem

It was on June 18^th, 2022 that the CDC reported in a press release that CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that all children six months through five years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine to better protect them from COVID-19.

An editorial in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) by Sonia Saxena, Helen Skirrow and Kate Wighton published on July 28^th, 2022, revealed additional details. The editorial states that an estimated 25 children died from COVID-19 in the UK during the first year of the pandemic, of which 19 had significant medical issues or limiting health conditions. Overall, there was a low death rate for children under 12.

The media has reported on the overestimation of death among children by the CDC. On March 15^th, 2022, they corrected the number of deaths reducing it by 70,000. It made the corrections due to its own rigorous quality control measures.

VAERS data from December 14^th, 2020, to August 5^th, 2022, for 6-month to 5-year-old show:

2,975 adverse events, including 140 cases rated as serious and five reported deaths
Four reports of myocarditis and pericarditis (heart inflammation)

The CDC uses a narrowed case definition of “myocarditis” which excludes cases of cardiac arrest, ischemic strokes and death due to heart problems that occur before one has the chance to go to the emergency department

20 reports of blood clotting disorders
38 reports of seizures

Furthermore, Zachary Stieber reported for The Epoch Times on September 2^nd, 2022 that “As of August 21^st, 2022 996 non-serious reports have been entered into the VAERS for children four or younger who received a Pfizer vaccine, and children five or younger who received a Moderna vaccine (reported by Dr Tom Shimabukuro on September 1^st).

Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder, and president of the National Vaccine Information Center expressed concerns about why details of the serious events were not described.

He told Epoch Times in an email, “Those details should not have been left out of the information released by ACIP [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices] and the public.”

There are concerns that the number of adverse cases reported to VAERS is not reflective of the real number in reality. Fisher states, “Even though not every adverse event reported to VAERS is causally related to vaccination, it is also true that one CDC-funded study estimated that less than one per cent of vaccine adverse events that occur are reported to VAERS.”

Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2024

TOCaribNews

Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

Technology

Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

TOCaribNews

Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.

Business

Victim Services of Durham Region invites Ontario schools and youth to Youth Violence Prevention Symposium

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY PAUL JUNOR

Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) is committed to educating and informing young people with the knowledge and education they need to make informed decisions regarding critical issues that affect their lives.

In order to fulfill its mission, it will be hosting its annual online Youth Violence Prevention (YVP) Symposium. It will take place over a two-week period on Monday, February 26^th and Friday, March 8^th, 2024.It will be geared to Grades: 7, 8 and 9 students who will be able to access it using the online learning platform, Learn Worlds.

VSDR has been active over the years in the Durham Region where it has provided a range of services to help those affected and impacted by crime, or sudden tragedies. It is the only one of its kind that offers specialized services and support 24/7, 365 days per year to these individuals.

Their vision is to have a safe community where people are supported, empowered and thriving. The press release states that they provide trauma-informed, anti-oppressive crisis intervention services, including emotional support, safety planning, and financial assistance. In addition, there are translation services available in over 300 languages to those who need them. Case management services are also available, which assist individuals to bypass bureaucratic roadblocks with available:

subsidized housing, income support, medical and police services.

VSDR provides tailored support to survivors and witnesses of all crimes; 85% of its clients have experienced gender-based violence, including: survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Some of the programs VSDR offers are:

Crisis Response
System Navigation
Victim Quick Response Program
Human Trafficking Prevention/Intervention
Youth Prevention Workshops
Professional Training
Hotel Staff Training

The symposium will consist of accessible online modules that will be broken down into educational content, specific videos and in-class activities that are grade specific and align with curriculum targets. The six modules per grade are:

Consent & Healthy Relationships
Human Trafficking
Online Safety, Cyber Bullying and Image Sharing
Teen Dating Violence
Gang Violence & Peer Violence
Empowerment & Self-Care

The following are aims of the symposium:

Protect and empower young people.
Engage with issues like human trafficking, consent, healthy relationship, sextortion, teen dating violence, gang awareness, and cyber safety.
Provide insights on vulnerabilities and risk factors through activities and presentations.

Through partnerships with schools and educators it has been possible to:

Provide interactive online modules, games and videos.
Focus on learning in a safe setting.
Information on where to seek support provided on the event day and beyond.

Since 2020, the annual Violence Prevention Symposium has made a significant impact in the lives of young people as its program evolves from just focusing on Anti-Human Trafficking to issues that reflect emerging youth trends.

Some of the Impactful Results are:

Youth knowledge increased from 35% to 97%
Over 300% decrease in the number of youths educated since 2020
48 disclosures received in 2023 as a result of symposium education.

VSDR is anticipating great things from the 2024 symposium. They will continue to adapt and adjust the programs and services they deliver in light of the changing landscape and rapidly evolving world of teenagers.