Facts About the Flu Shot

FACTS ABOUT THE FLU SHOT

(WHAT THE CDC FORGOT TO TELL US)

The media and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has launched a very successful campaign to cause widespread fear of influenza, and convince patients and doctors alike, that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting the flu shot.

This is very simply not true.  Many numbers and “facts” as presented through the media have been influenced and distorted by those with financial interests in selling the vaccine.

FALSE: Influenza kills 36,000 people in the US every year.

In very fine print in the CDC fliers you will see that “influenza and influenza like illness” are grouped into the same category. “Influenza like illness is defined as a fever >100.4 and either a sore throat or cough”.

FALSE: By getting the flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading the influenza to others.

There is no scientific evidence published supporting this statement as of a review done in 2010.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine protects the elderly and young infants/children.

At best, reviews suggest an approximate 33% effectiveness only in children older than two. There is no evidence of any benefit in the >65 year old population.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine protects patients with health problems and weak immune systems.

Quite the opposite – even in the manufacturer’s insert, it is documented that this population has a minimal, if any response. There also seems to be a higher risk for side effects from the vaccine in this population.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine help prevent missed work and school.

The information statement by the CDC admits that frequent, “mild” side effects include the same symptoms as influenza, including fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, etc. – the same symptoms as having “real” influenza. This occurs in >10% of those getting the vaccine. Less than 1% of people going to the doctor during peak influenza season actually have influenza.

FALSE: The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

The CDC quotes only 5/1,000 people have a “serious” reaction. According to the package insert in people over age 65, 70/1000 people have a serious reaction (like hospitalization), and 6/1000 die.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine is safe.

Safety numbers come from a national databank of reported vaccine reactions, called VAERS. It is estimated that only 1% of vaccine reactions are reported. Most of the studies follow patients for a very short time, and actually don’t include the very people at highest risk for side effects.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine can prevent heart attacks.

Quite the opposite – Recent studies have proven that the same inflammation that increases risk of heart attack when someone actually has influenza is caused by the vaccine. Likely worse, given that the body also produces a response to the other chemicals in the vaccine as well.

Other important information:

• The “preservative-free” formulation of Fluzone does contain latex in the tip caps, and can cause serious allergic reaction in those with sensitivity to latex.

• The multidose vials of Fluzone DO contain thimerosal (mercury), including those for children. If these vials are not properly shaken, those receiving the 4^th and 5^th dose may be getting a very large load of mercury.

• The influenza vaccine is Pregnancy Category C. This means it has not been tested in pregnant women, and there is really no knowledge about the harm it may cause.

• The influenza virus is grown in chicken embryos. It is well known that there are many “bird” viruses we do know about, and more we don’t know about.

• Other contents of vaccine include formaldehyde (can cause cancer), Triton X (chemical that acts like estrogen and is causing much harm environmentally, and can affect fertility, sexual development, and likely certain cancers).

·        The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you are taking at least 2,000IU of Vitamin D daily. This has been shown to be effective, and there are no side effects.

Good sources for more information that are not influenced by politics and money:

www.NVIC.org (National Vaccine Information Center)

www.vaccinationcouncil.org (International Medical Council on Vaccinations)

 “Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”

Albert Einstein