County Commissioners hear safety concerns on flu vaccine

by Staff Pioneer Times
16 years ago

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — With the Obama Administration speeding steps to make at least one of two vaccinations against the H1N1 (swine flu) virus widely available in September, the county commissioners listened to a resolution passed by the Aroostook County Republican Committee against mandatory vaccinations for Aroostook County residents.
     Citing concerns over efficacy, safety and testing, Steve Martin, a committee member and radio talk show host, said the vaccine is being manufactured by corporations that are the subject of lawsuits. However, vaccine makers and federal officials will be immune from lawsuits that result from any new swine flu vaccine under a document signed last month by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. The document also provides for a compensation fund, if necessary.
    No action was taken by the commissioners.
Approvals
    The commissioners approved the following: two part-time dispatchers — Susan Richards and Steven Wallace, both of Houlton; two part-time deputy sheriffs, Kenneth Michaud of Fort Kent and Ryan Doughty of Easton; two new finance committee members — Jackie Bradley of Easton and Nelson Jandreau of Madawaska to fill vacancies in accordance with the county charter.
    Also approved were three-year fire protection contracts with Masardis for the unorganized territories — T10R6, T9R5, T8R5 and T8R4 for $1,030, $1,600 and $1,093, respectively. The contracts cover the period  Jul. 1, 2009-Jun. 30, 2010.
    Three septic system bids were approved where Maine Department of Environmental Protection deemed there existed a nuisance or hazard to water or health.
Other business
    Reduced state subsidies necessitate a cut of $197,000 to the Board of Corrections for the 2010 fiscal year  budget.
    An appeal granted by the Department of Energy now allocates $306,800 for energy-efficient projects in county facilities.
    The next meeting of the county commissioners will be Wednesday, Sept. 2, 5:30 p.m. in Fort Kent.