Every fall and winter I get asked by patients if they should get a flu shot. Before I answer, let me say this…
Before I make a decision regarding the health of myself and my family, I do research. I educate myself. I investigate. I NEVER, and I mean NEVER follow the herd of society and just do what everyone else is doing without checking into it first.
With any medical treatment, such as a flu shot vaccine, the risks and benefits always need to be considered, and you should always educate yourself before you stick a needle in your arm or agree to have a needle stuck in your child’s arm. Things aren’t always what you think they are.
Every year I go through articles and the scientific research to see what the latest information is on flu shots. I want to see if there are any reports of harm from the flu shots or if there is any proof that they even work.
So let’s look at the flu shots from an educated point of view:
1. The flu shot is made up of 3 dead strains of “old” flu viruses combined with preservatives. The problem is, if this year’s flu strains don’t match the strains in the flu shot, then the flu shot will not be very effective.
2. The flu shot contains thimersol, a preservative with a high concentration of mercury. Mercury is a proven neurotoxin and one of most poisonous metals you could put into your body. (1) It is known to cause neurological disorders.
3. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention admitted that last year’s flu shot only worked about 40% of the time. (2) That mean’s your chance of the flu shot working is less than the flip of a coin…not very good odds.
4. In 2006, the British Medical Journal looked at the research behind flu shots and came up with some interesting conclusions: (3)
a. The evidence shows that flu shots have little or no effect.
b. There is little comparative evidence that the flu shots are safe.
c. The authors noted a “gap” between guidelines that call for mass flu shot vaccination and the evidence to support those guidelines.
5. The elderly and young children are considered to be at the highest risk for the flu. In people over 70, flu shots did not reduce the number of deaths but it did reduce hospitalizations. (4)
6. A 2008 study of children ages 6 months to 5 years old found that the flu shot vaccine was not effective in any kids, regardless of age, where they live, or when they got the shot. (4)
There is an overwhelming amount of proof that the flu shot is basically a money maker for drug companies and they offer no real benefit to you or your children (or grandchildren). In an effort to not let this email get too long, here are some links you can go to see even more proven research information on the flu shot vaccine and its ineffectiveness.
I highly recommend you review the information in these links because it comes from very credible sources:
Let’s go over a few things you can do to prevent the flu this season.
1. Get chiropractic adjustments. Getting chiropractic adjustments boosts your immune system and helps your body function better.
2. Make sure your vitamin D levels are in optimum range
3. Reduce your sugar intake. Viruses LOVE sugar!
4. Eat garlic regularly
5. Exercise regularly and get an adequate amount of sleep
I can tell you that I personally do not get a flu shot and my wife and kids don’t either. And because we get regular chiropractic care, all of us rarely get sick. There is little to no scientific evidence that flu shots are effective. The truth is, flu shots are a billion dollar profit maker for drug companies, so they will try to convince you that you need them.
But do you? I don’t think so, but you are going to have to make your own decision when getting the flu shot. Just make sure it is an educated decision based on facts and research.
Have a great day!
Dr. Pete Gay
References
“Influenza Virus Vaccine Fluzone 2005-2006 Formula,” package insert, Aventis Pasteur. (Company name has since changed to Sanofi Pasteur MSD.) Update Feb. 14 2006
Associated Press, Feb. 15, 2008.
Brit Med J, Oct. 28, 2006;333:912-915.
Szilagyi PG, et al. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2008;162(10):943-51.
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