ARE FLU SHOTS EFFECTIVE?

IS THE FLU SHOT EFFECTIVE?
By Tedd Koren, D.C.

DOES THE FLU SHOT SAVE LIVES AMONG CHILDREN? In 1999, 25 children died from the flu in the entire United States. In 2000 that number decreased to 19, to 13 in 2001 and to 12 in 2003. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) began to push for flu shots for kids in 2003. The result: the number of flu deaths increased in children jumping to 90. (National vital statistics reports, CDC. cdc.gov/hchs/data/nvsr/nvsr52/nvsr52_13.pdf)

DOES THE FLU SHOT SAVE LIVES AMONG THE ELDERLY? Even though immunization rates in those over 65 have increased 50% in the past 20 years, researchers found no decline in flu-related deaths. Researcher report that studies “substantially” overestimate the vaccine’s benefit. (www.cdc.gov’nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr52_13.pdf (p16)

HOW MANY PEOPLE DIE FROM THE FLU? You may have heard that the flu kills over 30,000 Americans every year. That is incorrect. Government statistics lump flu and pneumonia deaths together, but flu deaths are only a small fraction of the total. For example, in 2002 when the flu plus pneumonia deaths were reported at over 60,000 only 753 were flu deaths. In 2001 the total number of flu deaths was 267. The flu vaccine is poorly tested. It is a dangerous vaccine, yet millions of people receive it. (www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_3400.cfm)

According to Sherri Tenpenny, DO, VACCINE RESEARCHER, “The fact that the flu shots are ineffective in every age group hardly seems to matter to those who continually promote their use. Multiple studies published in highly reputable publications have documented that flu shots are ineffective in all ages.” (Flu shots: beware! May 1, 2006 www.newswithviews.com/Tenpenny/sherri6.htm)

FLU VACCINE? by Standard Process
The flu shot, and the newly released FluMist nasal vaccine, are not the answer to avoiding the flu. The “experts” will use FEAR to motivate people to get a flu vaccine, but this is yet another health care illusion. Flu can definitely be a killer disease and should not be easily dismissed. However, flu shots do not prevent illness--never have, never will.
The flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness. And the side effects of FluMist, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability, headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever, sound just like the symptoms of the flu. If you decide to get the nasal flu vaccine, you will get not only a live flu virus in each dose but also table sugar and MSG, which are fraught with their own problems. Plus, research has shown an increased risk of Bell palsy following intranasal flu vaccination, according to the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS). The makers of the nasal flu vaccine in the study decided not to market it the following season due to the risk. According to GACVS, the greater risk of Bell palsy following immunization with this vaccine may have been due to specific vaccine components, or simply to use of the intranasal administration route. It is therefore possible that such complications of vaccine administration may also apply to other nasal vaccines.
The flu vaccine, whether in the shot or nasal form, is worthless and should be avoided. Not only are they loaded with toxic chemicals including mercury, formaldehyde, and aluminum, but many people come down with the flu shortly after receiving the shot. This is because it actually weakens the immune system, making the person more predisposed to the illness.

The bottom line is to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating right, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and addressing stressors, year round. If you do, chances are you’ll never have to worry about coming down with the flu.