The Truth About Flu Vaccines

Lately there has been a lot of talk about the safety and necessity of flu vaccines. I find myself reading articles on social media such as "11 Reasons Why Flu Shots Are More Dangerous Than The Flu Itself" posted on realfarmacy.com and cannot help but get frustrated. This article along with others suggest, without out reliable sources, that flu shots are in fact dangerous for the public--especially the elderly and young children Many parents are refusing to vaccinate their young children, who often end up suffering for days with the flu the picked up from daycare or school.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there have been 22,048 cases of the flu reported in the  2011-2012 flu season, which is a dramatic increase from the year before. This flu season is expected to follow that trend. Children and the elderly are at a particularly higher risk for contracting the flu, and are at an especially high risk for hospital admittance and death, due to the fact  that they have weakened immune systems.

Articles such as "11 Reasons Why Flu Shots Are More Dangerous Than The Flu Itself" suggest that the flu vaccine is unsafe for many reasons. One reason that they suggest it is unsafe is the level of mercury in the vaccines. Thiomerosal, a preservative used in most of the influenza vaccines has been greatly reduced over the years. There is also a preservative free version that is available for children and pregnant women that contains only trace amounts of thiomerosal. These trace levels have been review by the Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee and found to be safe.

There have also been suggestions that those pushing flu vaccines are those making millions of dollars. This is partially correct. While the drug manufactures and the CDC may benefit--healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, and doctors do get "bonuses" because you get a flu shot. Most of us are encouraging you to get a flu shot because it is beneficial for you and those around you.

I have also heard or read from many friends and family that they work at institutions or facilities that require them to get a flu vaccine before they can work there--or they must wear a mask every day during flu season. This is often true of nursing homes, long term care facilities and hospitals. While these individuals state it is "their right to put whatever they want in their body," what needs to be considered is who they may be affecting on a daily basis. Most places with these policies in place house elderly, young, or those with otherwise weakened immune systems. Germs can be brought from home and introduced into the institution, which can be detrimental for a patient that is not strong enough to fight off an infection that a health 25 year old may be able to. So while it is your right to get a flu vaccine or not, it is also the patients right to be housed in a healthy environment.