Posts Tagged ‘Flu Shot’

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Do Flu Shots Have Mercury In Them?

Comments: 0November 20th, 2011 by admin



Do flu shots have mercury in them? Yes, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly referred to as the CDC, in their facts on the flu shot question and answer guide.

Opinions about whether mercury in flu shots is a threat to human health may vary, but no one can deny the facts on the flu shot. Mercury is used in the manufacturing of and as a preservative in most flu shot vaccines. Even those vaccines that are labeled preservative free have trace amounts of mercury left over from the manufacturing process, but because the content is too low to act as a preservative, they are called preservative free.

Questions like “do flu shots have mercury in them” may be asked for many reasons. Mercury contamination in fish and the environment is of great concern. Mercury poisoning can cause illness and death. Some people have severe allergic reactions to mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, meaning that it damages or destroys nerve tissues. Mercury has been linked to autism and Alzheimer’s.

The facts on the flu shot presented by the CDC maintain that there is “no convincing evidence of harm” from mercury in flu shots, but there was sufficient evidence for New York to pass a law in 2006 banning thimerosal (a mercury based preservative) from flu shots intended for use in children and pregnant women. But, even with this ban, the answer to “do flu shots have mercury in them” in New York is still, yes. As previously stated trace amounts of mercury are present even in preservative free flu shots.

In 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics and vaccine manufacturers agreed that mercury should be reduced or eliminated from vaccines as a precautionary measure. But, still the answer to the question “do flu shots have mercury in them” is yes. The facts on the flu shot presented by the CDC maintain that the best protection from influenza is the annual flu shot, but ultimately it is a personal choice.

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Flu Shot Ingredients

Comments: 0October 31st, 2011 by admin



The major flu shot ingredients are dead influenza viruses. There may be any number of different flu viruses circulating at any one time, but pharmaceutical companies only choose three as annual flu shot ingredients. Even if you take an annual flu shot, you could still contract another flu virus and still come down with the flu. So, it is still important to protect your immune system and practice good health habits. Common flu vaccine side effects include body aches, low grade fever and soreness at the point of injection. There are some rare, but serious flu vaccine side effects that concern many people.

In addition to the major flu shot ingredients, pharmaceutical companies add preservatives. Until recently there were no preservative free flu shots. The addition of the preservative thimerosal to flu shot ingredients has caused illness and injury. Thimerosal is mercury based and is believed to have been the cause of flu vaccine side effects in many people. Of major concern is the increase of autism in recent years and many researchers and doctors believe that thimerosal, a known neurotoxin, used as flu shot ingredients and in other childhood vaccines is the cause.

Some researchers and doctors believe that flu shot ingredients, including thimerosal and aluminum, increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This, of course, is not one of the common flu vaccine side effects and since Alzheimer’s does not develop immediately after taking the shot, then the link can not be proven. A prominent physician and researcher showed that people who had five consecutive influenza vaccinations between the years 1970 and 1980 were ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than were individuals who had none, one or two.

It is believed that some people cannot shed mercury from their systems and it builds up in their brains causing nerve and brain damage. In addition, some people are allergic to mercury and thimerosal and can experience serious allergic reaction as flu vaccine side effects. Some states have banned mercury from flu shot ingredients intended for use in children and pregnant women. But, while health advocates have petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to ban thimerosal from flu shot ingredients, nothing has been done at this time. Many manufacturers continue to add thimerosal to their flu shot ingredients.

The dead influenza viruses which are the major flu shot ingredients are grown in chicken eggs. So, people who are allergic to chicken eggs could have serious flu vaccine side effects. Some people blame the onset of chronic fatigue on flu vaccine side effects, but there is no scientific research supporting this belief.

The influenza nasal spray vaccine is chosen by some as an alternative to the flu shot. Ingredients in the nasal spray include weakened live influenza viruses. The common nasal spray flu vaccine side effects include runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough. The nasal spray flu vaccine is preservative free, but is only approved for use in healthy people between the ages of 5 and 49.

Concern over flu shot ingredients and flu vaccine side effects raise questions in the minds of some people as to whether or not healthy people, with a healthy immune system even need an annual influenza vaccine. Alternatives include the use of natural immunity boosting products. Some feel that these products may even reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu, the common cold and other viruses. Most natural immune system boosters have no unwanted side effects and carry none of the risks associated with flu vaccine side effects and flu shot ingredients. To learn more about immune system boosters and for more information about the common cold, influenza and other viruses, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

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Flu Vaccine Controversy – To Flu Shot Or Not to Flu Shot?

Comments: 0October 15th, 2011 by admin



Each year millions of people in North America suffer from colds, sore throats and other, more serious, respiratory illnesses.

Influenza and pneumonia, a major complication of influenza, cause more than 5,000 deaths in Canada each year alone.

Every autumn the elderly and other high risk groups are encouraged to receive influenza vaccine (flu shots). Congress authorized Medicare funding for flu shots in 1993, believing that vaccination costs are less than hospitalization costs related to influenza complications. Was Congress misled when it authorized this $80 million per year Medicare flu shot entitlement? Have recipients been misled?

Although influenza is associated with more disease, hospitalization, and death in “at risk” populations, no adequate controlled studies exist which prove that influenza vaccine reduces the incidence of influenza in these groups (1).

Even if the flu shot was effective, it is not pure prevention- as natural health care Practitioners understand the word.

Influenza virus strains mutate, necessitating a new vaccine each year. Technicians affiliated with the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) collect influenza viruses from pigs and people in foreign lands, e.g., China. CDC personnel then attempt to predict which viruses will infect people in the U.S the following year-the CDC crystal ball. These CDC- selected viruses are distributed to vaccine manufacturers early in the year for influenza vaccine production for administration that autumn.

How good is the CDC crystal ball?

Predicting which influenza viruses from China, for instance, will infect people in Toronto or Ohio a year later involves a fair amount of guesswork. Flu shot history is replete with examples of poor matches between influenza viruses in the vaccine and those actually infecting people.

For example in the 1994-1995 flu season, the CDC reported that 43% of isolated influenza samples for the predominant virus (type A (H3N2)) were not similar to that in the vaccine. Likewise, for another type A virus (H1N1), 87% of samples were not similar to that in the vaccine. For influenza B, 76% of isolated samples were not similar to that in the vaccine (2).

The CDC crystal ball also erred during the 1992-1993 influenza season when 84% of the isolated influenza samples for the predominant virus (A (H3N2)) were not similar to that in the vaccine (3).

Despite its poor track record in predicting which influenza viruses will infect communities, the CDC claims that influenza vaccine is “approximately 70% effective in preventing influenza in “healthy persons less than 65 years of age” if “there is a good match between vaccine and circulating viruses” (4).

Depending on the study cited, vaccine efficacy actually ranges from a low of 0% to a high of 96%
(5) And, as illustrated above, the CDC often finds it difficult to match vaccines with circulating viruses.

To justify its recommendation that all elderly persons receive flu shots, the CDC asserts that even though the vaccine does not prevent influenza very well, “the vaccine can be 50-60% effective in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia and 80% effective in preventing death’”(4)

This optimistic scenario is clouded by results of the congressionally mandated $69 million 1988-1992 Medicare Influenza Vaccine Demonstration project. This study, intended to promote Medicare-funded flu shots, yielded a disappointing 31-45% effectiveness ‘in preventing hospitalization for any pneumonia” during three influenza seasons (6). Results for the 1989-1990 season were described as “mixed at best,” with “Medicare payments… significantly higher for those who had been vaccinated” (7).

Government agencies “calculated” an economic benefit of flu shots to Medicare by manipulating numbers in a computerized simulation until desirable results were obtained. The CDC reported that its theoretical assumptions did not include all vaccine-related costs. (6). Other recently publicized medical studies with similar economic claims for flu shots have been funded by a vaccine manufacturer (8,9).

Considering that more than 90% of pneumonia and influenza deaths occur in persons 65 years of age or older, but that about 65% of all deaths (from any cause) occur in this age group anyway, it is nearly impossible to prove if flu shots significantly increase life expectancy in the elderly. Indeed one study of elderly Medicare patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania showed “no demonstrated effect of influenza vaccine in preventing death or limiting the length of hospital stay”.(10)
International controversy

Health authorities in other countries do not share the U.S public health community’s enthusiasm for influenza vaccine. At on CDC- sponsored influenza symposium a British researcher stated, “The (influenza vaccine) recommendations are strong in certain countries, but weak in others, since not all authorities are convinced of the benefit of immunization” (emphasis added. He deplored the “unsatisfactory situation” of poor influenza vaccine efficacy, which “compares unfavourably with other virus vaccines” (14). Even CDC officials confessed that “influenza vaccines are still among the least effective immunizing agents available, and this seems to be particularly true for elderly recipients”.(5)

Congress and the American taxpayer have been defrauded about the alleged advantages of flu shots. Instead of being an effective prevention, evidence indicates that flu shots may be useless. Although endorsed and funded by federal and state governments the shots seem only to benefit the companies who make them, public health bureaucrats who promote them, and medical personnel who administer the flu vaccine.
References:

1. Fiebach N. Beckett W. Prevention of respiratory infections in adults: influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Arch Intern med 1994; 154: 2545-57.
2. Update: influenza activity- worldwide, 1995. MMWR 9/8/95; 44(35): 644-45, 651-52.
3. Update; Influenza activity- United States and worldwide, 1993. MMWR 10/1/93; 42(38): 752-55.
4. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 4/21/95; 44(RR-3).
5. Arden NH et al. Experiences in the use and efficacy of inactivated influenza vaccine in nursing homes. I; Kendal AP, Patriarca PA. Eds. Option for the control of Influenza. New York: Alan R. Liss 1986: 155-68
6. Final results: Medicare Influenza vaccine Demonstration-selected states, 1988-1992. MMWR 8/13/93; 42(31): 601-4
7. Kidder d. Schmitz R. Measures of cost and morbidity in the analysis of vaccine effectiveness based on Medicare claims. In: Hannoun C, et al eds. Options for the control of Influenza II. Amsterdam: EXcerpta.Medica, 1993; 127-33.
8. Nichol KL et al. The efficacy and cost effectiveness of vaccination against influenza among elderly persons living in the community. N Engl J Med 1994; 331 912):778-84.
9. Nichol KL, et al. The effectiveness of vaccination against influenza in healthy, working adults. N Engl J Med 1995;333(140: 889-93
10. Strikas R,et al. Case control study in Ohio and Pennsylvania on prevention of hospitalization by influenza vaccination. In: Hannoun C, et al, ds. Options for the control of Influenza II. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica. 1993;153-60.

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Flu Vaccine Answers – 10 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu Shot

Comments: 0October 6th, 2011 by admin



With flu season closing in, many are getting their children and families ready by signing up for the flu vaccine. Here are answers that will help you avoid misinformation, making it easier for you to take the best course of action for you and your family.

1. Does the Shot cover the H1N1 Virus? No it does not. There is a vaccine for the swine flu in production as this is being written, but it is not available to the general public as yet. Initially, the swine flu vaccines will go to military personnel, emergency medical personnel as well as health departments, and health care officials. Most pharmacies are estimating that the earliest it would become available to the general public is November of 2009.

2. Should you take the swine flu vaccine if you have already taken the regular flu shot or mist? Yes both vaccines are recommended. You can choose to take them both on the same day at the same time. Or you need to wait several weeks if you have to take them separately.

3. Does a physician’s office have to give the shot to small children? No, there are pharmacies within drug stores who will vaccinate children as young as 2 years of age. Check with local pharmacies as their guidelines and age restrictions vary greatly.

4. Is there a difference in the effectiveness between the shot and mist? Yes, health care professionals agree that both are good for the duration of one flu season. Given that the worse months for flu are December, January and February both should provide protection through those months.

However, if the flu season extends later than usual into March and April, it is thought that those who have received the Flu Mist will have greater coverage. In other words the flu shot tends to show a diminished capacity after 4 months, and the flu mist tends to last 5 to 6 months.

5. What is the difference between the shot and the mist? The shot is given by injection and contains dead viruses. The mist is given by spraying the vaccine up each nostril, and contains live but weakened viruses.

6. Who should avoid the mist? People older than 50, those who have asthma or who use an inhaler for wheezing are not good candidates for the mist.

7. How long does it take for the vaccine to become effective? It takes several weeks for the body to react by making antibodies which then help protect it from getting the flu at all or at least lessen the seriousness of the case.

8. Can you catch the flu from being vaccinated? The answer is no for the both injection and the mist. Even though the mist contains live viruses, they are not potent enough to cause a case of the flu.

9. When is the best time to be vaccinated? As soon as the vaccine is available is the best time to receive it. Because it takes several weeks for the vaccine to offer protection, the sooner you receive the shot the sooner you’re covered. Getting it early means you avoid having supplies run low and having to wait until more is available.

10. Where can I get the most up to date information on the flu? Your physician and local media are good resources. Also, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides up to the minute information with a website and an 800 number.

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Flu Vaccines

Comments: 0September 16th, 2011 by admin



Getting a vaccine does not mean you will never get the flu. What it does is it lessens the effect the illness has on you. In short, you won’t have the body pains, the excessive appetite loss, or the need to be hospitalized.

Needle point injections are feared by most people, this might attribute the small percentage of people getting flu shots. In the case that this happens, there is an easier, less fearful alternative. Flu vaccines are readily available in nasal spray form and it proves to be as effective as a normal flu shot.

Contracting the flu can be very dangerous even for those in perfect health. Getting flu vaccines is a must for people over 50 years of age. It is also a must for kids aged 6 months to 5 years and for people with pre-existing ailments. Getting you a flu shot reduces the risk of acquiring influenza virus and other influenza related complications.

It is not advisable to get a flu shot if you have developed a reaction to a previous flu vaccine shot. If you have an allergic reaction to eggs, it is also not advisable for you to get a flu shot. Also if you had Guillan-Barre syndrome in the weeks after your flu shot.

This medicine is available in various places.

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To Flu Shot or Not to Flu Shot? That is the Question

Comments: 0March 3rd, 2011 by admin

With Avian Flu in the news, parents, seniors, healthcare providers are exploring the question of whether flu shots are appropriate, and if they should be mandated to protect us all from the risk. The fact that many doctors can not get the shots should not be a deterrent for those who are convinced of the benefit. Most drug stores still have stock available.
Flu shots are not a slam dunk. They are controversial. Here are some of the reasons why:

oFlu shots are preserved with thimerisol as the primary preservative. Thimerisol is a nerve toxin, a form of organic mercury. Mercury poisoning is deadly and cause a range of health issues that stay with the patient for life. The effect is cumulative, and if annual flu vaccines become required, the toxic load is sufficient to cause autism-like symptoms, fibromyalgia like symptoms and more. Thimerisol has been banned in many European countries, because of its negative health impacts. I repeat, mercury is a neural poison. Do we really want to inject it directly into our blood streams?

oFlu shots have a more concentrated dose of mercury, than the EPA indicates is safe for a 250-pound man. We give these shots to babies and school children. And we wonder why learning disabilities are rising at alarming proportions in this country?

oFlu shots have viral elements based upon the prior flu season in the southern hemisphere, typically Australia. There is no guarantee that the strain of flu that the vaccine builds resistance to, will be what is needed in the US the following season. There is no double blind, scientific testing with flu vaccines. The more a virus mutates, as a result antibiotic overuse, or a result of genetically modified organisms gone wrong, or as a result of the process of making the vaccine, for example, the more likely the vaccine will be ineffective.

oWhen flu vaccines were first developed they were determined inappropriate for people in fragile health, the elderly and for people with certain reactions, allergies to certain drugs and foods. Unfortunately when these populations were eliminated, the market for these vaccines was less than 20% of the population. Thus these concerns were removed from final warnings for these vaccines.

oWhile flu vaccines were added the government’s list of mandatory vaccines for school children under the age of 18 and are recommended for elderly, parents can opt their children out, with a philosophical, health or religious objection. However many parents are unaware of their ability to do this, because schools have incentives to get all their students vaccinated, because the formula for state funding of schools includes incentives for vaccinated school population. It is not in the schools financial interest to inform parents of their rights.

oHealthcare workers were very forceful, in their boycott of federal plans to required healthcare workers to submit to mandatory smallpox vaccines, as part of a bio-war on terror. The program was scrapped. If healthcare workers, who are most aware of the vaccines, refuse them, what should the rest of us be taking from this?

oPeople who got flu vaccines still get the flu. What efficacy is that?

oThere are other ways to protect against the flu, with less potentially lethal side effects. These include using homeopathic anti-flu meds like Occillo. These include making sure you eat healthy, keep your immune system in peak condition, eat your vegetables. If you are concerned about Avian Flu, consider eating only organic, range free chicken. And if you find yourself catching a flu, consider in addition to chicken soup, and drinking lots of liquid, a trip to your acupuncturist, your naturalpath or your chiropractor.

The answer to whether or not to vaccinate would seem to rest upon your trust or lack of it in the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety, weighed against the potential for harm if indeed you became sick with the virus.

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Is Flu Shot Vaccination Really Useful?

Comments: 0August 23rd, 2010 by admin



Every year thousands of people end up in the hospital with flu complications. According to CDC (Center of Disease Control & Prevention) the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

The question; Is flu shot vaccination really useful? Well, let’s take a quick look from the source, in this case is the Influenza virus that cause flu in the first place. There are currently 2 types of Influenza viruses, Type A & Type B. Indeed, these two viral candidates are fully responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza Type A viruses can further be broken down into sub-types as well. Throughout the whole course of a flu season all these different types & subtypes of influenza viruses are being circulated in various form that cause this common illness.

In addition, influenza viruses are constantly changing through a process called “antigenic drift”. This is a continuous & spontaneous mutations process in the viral RNA. This often enables the virus to evade the immune system of the host such as humans, canine(Dog), avian(Birds), swine(Pig) & others. This process works in this sequence, a host infected with influenza virus develops antibody against that virus; as the virus changes, the “first” antibody no longer recognizes the “newer” virus and reinfection can occur. The first antibody may in some instances provide partial protection against reinfection with an influenza virus.

So, what that really mean is flu shot cannot really prevent you from getting a flu because it depends what type of viruses you are infected with. In addition, the Influenza viruses changes very rapidly which makes the vaccination to be somewhat obsolete. The vaccination is still effective for older type of viruses but be aware that it most likely have very little effect against current viruses.

The bottom line is that flu shot does not make you invincible towards the Influenza viruses, some people think you can get a flu from a flu shot which is not true. You can get a flu after the flu shot because you might be infected by newer Influenza viruses. Since the vaccine manufacturer cannot predict the future of Influenza viruses mutation. That means they are always reacting to the current result of the influenza viruses.

The best prevention is still simple common sense practices such as covering nose & mouth with tissue or napkins while coughing or sneezing. Do remember to dispose the tissues & napkins after use. Washing hands with soap & water after cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers also works well. Avoid close contact with sick people as much as possible, if you happen to be infected with flu please be considerate to either stay at home, school , work place. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth because this is how viruses spread into your immune systems.

In conclusion, the flu shot can give you an extra piece of mind in terms of protection which can be useful for many people. But it certainly is not the be all end all solution to this annual epidemics.

If you are interested to learn more about your health, check out http://www.healthyencounter.com.

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Making a Case Against Flu Shot Vaccinations

Comments: 0June 3rd, 2010 by admin



For those who want to make a case against flu shot vaccinations, the first item to start with is the “flu shot autism link”. This year (2006) New York state passed a law banning vaccines and flu shots containing thimerosal (a mercury based preservative). But, the ban only applies to flu shots for children and pregnant women. Those who try to make a case against flu shot vaccinations wonder if thimerosal presence is safe for anyone.

The flu shot autism link is related to the presence of abnormally high and unsafe levels of mercury in blood and tissue samples of children with autism. It is believed that while most children may be unaffected by mercury present in flu shots and other vaccines, other children do not have the ability to “shed” the mercury from their systems, so it builds up and damages nerve and brain cells. Having no way to tell which children can and which cannot “shed” the mercury, researchers and others have been making a case against flu shot vaccinations and other childhood vaccinations that contain thimerosal as a preservative.

Even though many public health groups maintain that thimerosal as a preservative is safe, several pharmaceutical companies now have thimerosal free or preservative free flu shots, but you may need to request them specifically. In addition to the flu shot autism link, some researchers and medical doctors believe that there is also a link between Alzheimer’s and flu shots, again because of mercury build up.

Those who are trying to make a case against flu shot vaccinations containing mercury for anyone, not just children and pregnant women, quote a prominent medical doctor. This doctor states that, according to his research, individuals who had five consecutive flu shots between the years 1970 and 1980 were ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than individuals who had none, one or two. And, in fact, the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s rose from less than one percent of all deaths in 1980 to 2.6% of all deaths in 2003. As a point of comparison, 2.7% of all deaths in 2003 were attributed to influenza and pneumonia. Both the flu shot autism link and the Alzheimer’s connection are related to the presence of mercury or other metals in flu shots. It is harder to make a case against flu shots that are preservative free. For some people the benefits of the flu shot may out weigh the possible risks.

Most deaths related to influenza occur when people with weaker immune systems contract the virus, cannot fight it off and develop complications like viral or bacterial pneumonia. Most of the deaths occur in the elderly (those over 70) and babies (under 1 year of age). Those who would make a case against flu shot vaccinations say that a person with a healthy immune system can easily fight off a case of the flu, and that the risks including the flu shot autism and Alzheimer’s connections, outweigh the possible benefits of an annual flu shot. Naturalists and others who make the case against flu shot vaccinations recommend herbs, botanicals and vitamins that are known to boost the immune system. To learn more about immune system boosters and for more information about the common cold, influenza and other viruses, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

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Flu Shots – The Alzheimer’s Flu Shot Connection

Comments: 0June 1st, 2010 by admin



Has your health habit of taking a yearly flu shot become a victim of someone else’s profit margin -i.e. a pharmaceutical company that produces the vaccine?

Senior citizens, wanting to stay well through the winter, often are willing to stand in line to get one. Unfortunately they don’t know that it weakens immunity, and worse. For years we have been brain washed into thinking it is a yearly necessity. Who profits – you or the big corporations that produce the vaccine? Are they really concerned about your welfare rather than their “bottom line”? Do they ever mention the Alzheimer’s risk?

Here are some facts to consider as you make up your mind.

1. When supplies of vaccine are limited, priority is given to senior citizens and
health care workers and young children. Health care workers are opting less for
flu shots because they are aware of the health hazards. Less than 40% of health
care workers took flu shots in 2006.

2. Protection for the elderly can be as low as 30%. even when they take the shot.

3. The numbers of deaths from the flu in the 65+ group has been misrepresented.
Deaths from pneumonia have been included with the flu deaths. In 2005 the
CDC reported 62,804 deaths from the flu. Actually, there were 60,998 deaths
from pneumonia and 1806 from the flu.

4. The CDC reports that 90% of deaths from influenza occur among the elderly. It
is nearly impossible to credit the flu vaccine for prolonging lives in this age
group, since 65% of all deaths from all causes happens among the elderly.

BUT, the biggest cause for concern to me is what has been reported by Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD, a brilliant and renowned immunogeneticist and biologist, that if you had 5 consecutive flu shots between 1970 and 1980 (the years of his study) your chance of developing Alzheimer’s is 10 times higher than if you had had none or 1 or 2 shots. That is scary! When I learned that, I took no more flu shots. He said that what causes the cognitive dysfunction is the buildup of mercury and aluminum in the brain from the shot.

Here’s how to stay healthy without a flu shot:

1. Get plenty of sunshine and vitamin D, and take Omega 3′s.

2. Take daily a good liquid completely absorbable multivitamin/mineral supplement.

3. Avoid sugar (it is an immune system depressant).

4. Get adequate sleep and avoid getting overstressed.

5. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people.

6. Exercise regularly.

You don’t need a flu shot to stay well unless your immune system is compromised, in which case you should follow your doctor’s advice.

For more information please go now to my Resource Box.

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Should I Get a Flu Shot This Year?

Comments: 0November 22nd, 2009 by admin



The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that everyone under the age of 6 and over the age of 50, in addition to other groups of people with specific medical conditions, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine. And in general pretty much everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot. But is there any evidence that it will actually be helpful for you? The answer is probably not.

The often quoted figure is that 36,000 people die from the flu every year. However about half of those are deaths relate to ‘flu like illness’. Amongst the half that is due to the flu, there are several different strains of influenza virus, and the flu vaccine is going to target only a selected number of them. Add to that that the vaccine is made before the flu season starts, and they don’t know which strains will be showing up that year, that means that a lot of people are not going to get a flu shot that actually protects them against the flu. In addition many of the deaths are in the elderly who may have compromised immune systems, so the flu shot won’t work for them anyway. In fact the only group for which there is evidence that flu shots might save lives is with people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is caused by smoking.

But I can’t afford to lose time from work with the flu, you say. Actually no studies have shown that flu shots reduce time lost from work either.

The experts in the literature are actually saying not to use flu vaccines, although noone seems to listen to them. Quoting epidemiologist Tom Jefferson below: from an article in BMJ. “The optimistic and confident tone of some predictions of viral circulation and of the impact of inactivated vaccines, which are at odds with the evidence, is striking. The reasons are probably complex and may involve a ‘messy blend of truth conflicts and conflicts of interest making it difficult to separate factual disputes from value disputes’ or a manifestation of optimism bias (an unwarranted belief in the efficacy of interventions).”

Translation: Politicians think that flu vaccines work (but they don’t).

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