Is the Flu Shot Safe?

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Is the flu shot safe or effective
Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Is the Flu Shot Safe?

There is no question that the presence of flu season each year and the vaccine created as a result have become hotly debated issues in the media, by bloggers and perhaps most fiercely, by moms.

Since I have often fit into high risk category number one in the past few years (pregnant women), and have children that fit into high risk category number two (young children), this is an issue I have spent many hours researching. I’ve compiled some of the research I have come across in researching this topic. Please note that I am not a doctor, and none of this is to be considered medical advice. I’m simply sharing information I found while researching this topic for my own family.

Also please note that any discussion involving vaccines can potentially become heated. I welcome *charitable and civil* discussion in the comments below. Any direct attacks or name calling will be banned. At the end of the day, we are all striving to make the most healthy decisions for ourselves and our families.

Terms, Defined

When referring to the flu, I am including all of the following in the definition:

Influenza, often referred to as “flu,“ is an infectious respiratory disease caused by type A or type B influenza viruses, which are present in the mucus membranes and secretions of the nose, throat and lungs. There are other viruses and bacteria associated with “flu-like” symptoms and it is estimated that about 80 percent of all flu-like illness that occurs every year during the “flu season” is not type A or type B influenza. Only lab confirmation can detect whether flu-like symptoms, including serious complications like pneumonia, are caused by influenza viruses or other types of viral or bacterial organisms.

When referring to the flu vaccine I am including the following:

Two types of influenza vaccines are available in the U.S.: inactivated injectable influenza vaccine and live attenuated influenza vaccine, which is inhaled through the nose,Inactivated, injectable influenza vaccines packaged in multi-dose vials contain the mercury preservative thimerosal but inactivated influenza vaccines in single dose vials are thimerosal-free or contain trace amounts of the mercury preservative. The live attenuated nasal influenza vaccine does not contain thimerosal. (as of the date of my research on the topic)
There are 16 different influenza vaccine products licensed in the U.S. marketed by different pharmaceutical companies. Some of these vaccines contain only the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus strain. However, most seasonal influenza vaccines in the U.S. contain two type A influenza viruses and one type B influenza virus that are selected every year by the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for inclusion in flu shots given during the current flu season.

What’s the Flu Vaccine?

The NVIC compiled a helpful list of links (from the FDA website) of the product inserts and specifics on the current flu vaccines:

Quadrivalent Vaccines – Nasal

Quadrivalent Vaccines – Injected

Trivalent Vaccines – Injected

  • AFLURIA by CSL Limited (Afluria) – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Agriflu by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • FluLaval by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec – Package Insert  & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Fluarix by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Flublok by Protein Sciences Corporation – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Flucelvax by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. ­– Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Fluvirin by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Ltd. – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category C
  • Fluzone by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
    • Aluminum
    • Formaldehyde
    • Trace antibiotics
    • Aluminum — a neurotoxin that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease
    • Triton X-100 — a detergent
    • Phenol (carbolic acid)
    • Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
    • Betapropiolactone – a disinfectant
    • Nonoxynol – used to kill or stop growth of STDs
    • Octoxinol 9 – a vaginal spermicide
    • Sodium phosphate

      Pros & Cons of the Flu Shot

      Obviously, the upside of getting a flu vaccine should be immunity from the flu. Unfortunately, if the wrong strain is included in the vaccine, this won’t be accomplished. This article explains how this is not an exact science and how it is not possible to completely predict the strain or provide protection from it.

      It seems there are two safety issues with flu season: the flu itself and the safety of the vaccine. I set out to research if (a) the vaccine was effective and (b) if it was safe. Once finding this out, I also wanted to determine the risks of the vaccine in comparison to the risks of simply contracting the flu.

      Ironically, while pregnant women, elderly, small children and medical workers are thought to be high risk candidates for contracting the virus (and are therefore encouraged to get it), the research is still out on the safety of the vaccine for these categories.

      What are contraindications to the flu vaccine?

      Among high risk factors listed by the CDC and the vaccine manufacturers are anyone who:
      (1) is sick with a fever;
      (2) has an egg allergy;
      (3) has a mercury allergy;
      (4) has a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

      If immunosuppressed individuals receive the flu vaccine they may not get an adequate protective antibody response.

      Is Flu Vaccine Recommended for Children?

      One consideration with the mass use of flu vaccine in healthy children is the removal of natural antibodies to flu which are obtained from natural infection. The question of whether it is better for healthy children, who rarely suffer complications from flu, to get the flu and develop permanent immunity to that flu strain or it is better for children to get vaccinated every year to try to suppress all flu infection in early childhood is a question that has yet to be adequately answered by medical science.

      Although in the past the flu vaccine has not been recommended for healthy children, today vaccination of children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years is strongly recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC and New Jersey now requires influenza vaccine for daycare and kindergarten entry.

      Is the flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?

      In years past, pregnancy was also a contraindication to flu vaccine but, today, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for women more than 14 weeks pregnant.

      Influenza vaccines are Category B or C drugs, which means that adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women have not been conducted and it is not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or if they can affect reproduction capacity.

      The package inserts published by the flu vaccine manufacturers state that “Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with influenza virus vaccine. It is also not known whether influenza virus vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Although animal reproductive studies have not been conducted, the prescribing health care provider should be aware of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The ACIP states that if used during pregnancy, administration of influenza virus vaccine after 14 weeks of gestation may be preferable to avoid coincidental association of the vaccine with early pregnancy loss.”

      Pregnant women should be aware that the flu vaccine contains Thimerosal, which is a mercury derivative. Mercury is toxic to the brain and has been found to be associated with brain damage and developmental delays in babies whose mothers were exposed to high levels of mercury during pregnancy.”

      No testing has been done on the effects of these vaccines, alone or in combination, on the unborn children of pregnant women who receive them, though:

      A recent study showed exposure flu viruses among women during pregnancy provoke a similar gene expression pattern in the fetus as that seen in autistic children.

      Another important point to consider when weighing the risks and benefits of the flu vaccine(s) is their effectiveness. There are no controlled studies that demonstrate any decrease in cases of the flu among those who have gotten the vaccine. The insert in the FLUVAL vaccine for the 2009-2010 formula specifically states:

      FLULAVAL is an influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of adults 18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine. This indication is based on immune response elicited by FLULAVAL, and there have been no controlled trials demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with FLULAVAL.

      Additional Resources

      I highly encourage everyone to do their own research on this or any health topic. If you are interested in further reading, here are some of the resources I found helpful:

      National Vaccine Information Center page on Influenza

      More detail on the flu vaccine

      Flu Shot and possible link to Guillain Barre Syndrome

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

108 responses to “Is the Flu Shot Safe?”

  1. Keisha Pitt Avatar
    Keisha Pitt

    Since it is getting closer to “flu season” another thing that is helpful in preventing the flu is eating well, drinking plenty of water, getting rest of course, taking Vitamins especially C, D, and A, but also chiropractic care is very helpful. I am a chiropractor and most of my patients that follow my prevention protocol don’t get the flu or any of those annoying colds during the winter time. Chiropractic care allows your body to heal itself by keeping the nervous system healthy. The nervous system controls everything in your body so an optimal functioning nervous system means a better functioning body (all other systems: immune, cardio, respiratory, etc). Hope this helps.

  2. Patricia king Avatar
    Patricia king

    Well year before last I had the flu jlb my husband beg me not to but being a carer I wanted to not get anything to past on to my client last year I had the flu jlb again I was so ill at work my head was hurting I had pains in my neck and could not stop coughing I felt so bad as was coughing all over my client I never felt so bad I rang my doctor who said it would past but it took three weeks to go then I got it again two months after I know this year no way will I take it again will look at your remedy Patricia King

  3. Claus Avatar

    Why would you put something into your body that does not belong there and Mercury is not good for you, ask the Dentist.
    Nobody need to get the flue shot if you live a healthy life style.
    I got a flue shot sometime ago and got really ill of it. My neighbor got that ill they had to go to the Hospital, where he spend a week.
    The Pharmaceutical got a lot to answer for .
    Children are not gene picks,

  4. Missy Avatar

    Wow – thank you for writing a great article with facts and not opinions!!! Did you happen to come across any information if people from Europe or Norway take these vaccines? I ask because they tend to be more health conscious about things they put into their bodies like GMOs. Thanks in advance for your input!

    1. Molly Avatar

      That’s a really great question! I’m interested in her response as well.

  5. colleen Avatar

    It’s so upsetting that the ACIP and Vaccine manufacturers have these inserts, that if people were given these inserts to read and the list of ingredients and the known effects these ingredients have on adults and animals, no one would opt to get a vaccine. I find it very difficult to even discuss with people because I don’t have a medical background or scientific knowledge or photographic memory to formulate and have an intelligent discussion to combat the decades of lies people have been told. I’m so grateful for Wellness Mamma and the many other people who tirelessly research and communicate this information, I’m also grateful for the awareness coming about. Seems more and more people are questioning everything! This was a great article. Thank you

  6. Candace Avatar

    Thank you for the article. We are not proponents of the flu shot or anything like it and haven’t had one for over 30 years (and still alive and kicking – yay!) An interesting article regarding baking soda to help stave off the flu and colds:
    https://drsircus.com/flu/uses-in-daily-health/

    In the article it states: “a prominent physician named Dr. Volney S. Cheney, in a letter to the Church & Dwight Company: “In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘Flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely any one who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks. I have since that time treated all cases of ‘Cold,’ Influenza and LaGripe by first giving generous doses of Bicarbonate of Soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated. Further, within my own household, before Woman’s Clubs and Parent-Teachers’ Associations, I have advocated the use of Bicarbonate of Soda as a preventive for “Colds,” with the result that now many reports are coming in stating that those who took “Soda” were not affected, while nearly every one around them had the “Flu.”

    Seems like among the more safer ways of keeping healthy!

  7. Alyssa Avatar

    I would also love to hear your thoughts on child vaccines and what research you encountered. We started by spacing out vaccinations for our son but then stopped altogether after doing more and more research. But it’s the hardest decision we’ve had to make that we still question everyday.

    1. Tara Czepiel Avatar
      Tara Czepiel

      I love this blog! It fits well with my belief system for a healthy body and healthy mind. We eat organic and healthy. We clean our house with natural cleaners. We also vaccinate for our children’s health. I had a uncle who had polio as a small child and a great aunt that lost a baby to diphtheria. We are all just too young to know of quarantines and iron lungs. That is a good thing. I hope we never go back to those times. My grandma said the diseases came in waves when they hit and were frightening.

      1. Whitney Avatar

        Tara Czepiel, I wanted to comment that my family is the same way, and say that it is refreshing to hear your thoughtfully worded comment! I strive hard to make my own cleaners, make nourishing food from scratch, exercise, and give my family the best chance at a healthy life. To my husband and I, this means administering childhood vaccines as well. I also have family members that were affected by polio, and shudder to think of that epidemic happening again. I also think of third-world countries, and the lack of vaccines equaling horrible communicable diseases. Each family is different, and definitely needs to do some soul-searching about what they are comfortable with!

        I am so thankful for this site, and the non-biased, fact-based research! Well done, Wellness Mama!

  8. Mary De la cruz Avatar
    Mary De la cruz

    For those of you looking for further information on vaccines – the truth as I see it- research Dr. Sherri Tenpenny and Dr. Suzanne Humphries. Their research against vaccinations is impeccable. They both have incredible lectures and interviews on youtube as well.

    1. Betty Avatar

      Thank you Mary. I will absolutely look in to Dr. Tenpenny and Dr. Humphries.

  9. Claire Avatar

    I am so glad to find this post. My daughter is 8 months. We stopped getting her vaccines after 2 months. My husband is one of 8 and his family never received vaccinations. We don’t want to give our daughter any more, but I am still not totally sold one way or another. I’d love to know your stance. I am still breastfeeding my daughter and have been dedicated in making all her food, lotions, soaps, wipes, etc. I feel like if I don’t want to put chemicals on her skin, why would I inject her with them. I may be way off. Still researching. Can you share your wisdom? Thanks!!

  10. Kristin Avatar

    Hello All!

    I am glad to see that this conversation has been very civil! As I have been on my sites where it has gotten down right ugly. I would like to know how you feel about vaccines as well, but I understand you do not want a whole following of people making important decisions based off of your decision.
    I personally feel that it is important for all parents to understand their children and their children’s bodies as well as consider their day to day life before making a decision.
    My husband and mother-in-law both have auto-immune diseases, as well as anaphylaxis. My 2.5 yr old son is very sensitive to things (diapers, lotions, foods, etc). I am a stay at home mom and plan on homeschooling my children as well, which I feel has given me a little comfort in putting off my son’s vaccines. I debate about getting certain ones, as well as not giving them to him period, but the jury is still out on this one. I have a daughter on the way and I will do the same thing for her. Nurse for at least a year and delay to whatever seems fitting based on her medical history once we’ve had some time to develop one.
    I certainly think at least spacing the shots out, if you get them all is an idea to consider, especially in case your child has a reaction to one, you would know which one it was from. But I also have many friends who have gotten all their children’s vaccines on the schedule, who are perfectly healthy. I found the Dr. Sears Vaccine book to be very helpful. I personally felt like it was very unbiased and gave you a good idea of what each disease was, the components of the vaccine, etc. He also gives you tips on how to “prepare” your child’s body if you do decide to vaccinate. Whatever you decide to do, keep up with the wellness lifestyle!

    Blessings on your decision making!

  11. Kelly Larsen Avatar
    Kelly Larsen

    Hi Katie, I was so happy to come across this post. This really helped give me some peace of mind of my decision.
    I’m curious, How do you feel about vaccinations in general? Do you vaccinate your children? Do you do a normal schedule (if at all)? Do you live in a state where you can pick and choose which vaccinations you want to do? If you did, would there be vaccinations you would be comfortable doing?
    What resources did you use to help make your decision?

  12. Dee Russell Avatar
    Dee Russell

    Never had a flu vaccine, wondering if we should. My husband is elderly.

    1. Deb Avatar

      The flu has been known to affect the elderly more harshly, sometimes causing death. I encourage my parents to be immunized each year. I’ve always gotten the shot, but over the course of six months I’ve been scrutinizing everything going in or onto my body. I’ll have to put some more thought into this. Thanks for an informative article.

  13. Kelly Avatar

    I too am interested in your stance on routine vaccines. I just started spacing out my children’s vaccines. The information out there is so overwhelming! Thank you for a thoughtful and resource filled post!

  14. Alyssa Avatar

    Thank you so much for this post! I have been learning a lot about vaccines in the last year. My daughter is 3 and fully vaccinated up to this point, but I’m really questioning doing the same from here on out. What I’ve been learning makes me think we were blessed for her NOT to have any bad reactions. And what I’ve learned about the flu shot very recently, is that it is 50/50 as to whether it will help or not. I’m not sure that I’m willing to take a chance on something as reliable as the results of the flip of a coin. I just needed to see the info to help me solidify what I already decided. Now to get my docs on board…..or find new ones….

    1. Garret Avatar

      What information have you found. And is that something that is in favor or more against getting it? My son is 3. Only had a shot twice. Since he was last born and this past January. They say it’s time for another. I am really against it.

  15. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Hello!! Thank you for the info!! I’d like to know what your stance is on routine vaccines for children and adults? I trust your judgement and know you take the time to research and thoroughly study important topics such as this so would really like to hear your advice!!!

  16. Laura Ann Avatar
    Laura Ann

    I was never vaccinated. I also am very curious what your viewpoint is on vaccines in general, but it’s such a contraversial subject I can understand how posting on it could cause too much unnecessary scrutiny. If you ever decide to do an email to interested folks on what you decided and resources you used to decide, please include my email on that list! 😉

  17. Katie Brown Avatar
    Katie Brown

    I am also curious on your views and research on childhood vaccines. My son, who is now 2, was vaccinated up until his 2 month well child check up when he developed seizures as a result of one of the combination vaccines he was given. We haven’t vaccinated since but now are feeling the pressure again to vaccinate. Would you consider posting on this issue?

    1. Chaz Avatar

      I’m a mom of 4 and currently expecting my 5th.
      My 3rd son was injured by his vaccines he received at 8 months old. He struggles daily still, he is 8 and diagnosed with Autism. I didn’t vaccinate my 4th after his 6 month vaccines- because he began wheezing within a couple weeks and was diagnosed with asthma shortly after. (No one has asthma in my family) I will not be vaccinating my 5th child. I do not trust the pharmaceutical companies nor do I trust the typical pediatrician. Who told me for 6 years that maybe my son just had a photographic memory, was more of a “loner” type and maybe Adderall at age 4 -would help with his hyperactivity. Even though I’d been telling him for years the vaccines changed him.

      Too many parents know this is truth. And unless you have a child who has been injured your opinion is invalid. The so-called herd immunity is BS. If you are protected, then you are protected. And my unvaccinated child is not a danger to your vaccinated child. In fact your child will more likely be the one to still contract the diseases you think you are protected from.
      I know so many kids- vaccinated that still got whooping cough. My brother had the measles when we were little- guess what he was a little sick and got over it in a few days. Now he has lifelong immunity.

      It’s a HUGE money maker.
      If you question it and it doesn’t feel right – don’t do it. There have been people questioning vaccines since the 1800’s! This debate isn’t new- but the crap that they are injecting us with is. And it’s a real problem.

      Go to http://vaxtruth.org/

  18. Jenn Avatar

    Thank you for writing a well-cited article addressing both sides of the vaccine debate. As one who is immuno-suppressed, and cannot get the flu vaccine (and actually got whooping cough from a non-immunized little girl I baby sat for), I thank you for taking the time to give the pros and cons. It’s a very sensitive, personal decision.

    1. Jess Avatar

      Hi Jenn,

      I appreciate your comment. It is such a complex issue. Unfortunately, it is no longer a personal decision in California. This makes me even more suspicious than I was before about the safety of vaccines and the ethics of the vaccine manufacturers.

    2. Michelle Avatar

      In the case of pertussis, the vaccinated are more prone to catching and spreading it. Please read this article and see what you think. I also have an article by the cdc from 2000 documenting the fact that they knew there was a problem with the vaccine. But instead of remedying the situation they chose to ramp up vaccination. My little one caught pertussis from a fully vaccinated little girl. He’s fine and will NEVER catch it or spread it again. Not the case for my daughter who was vaccinated and catches it every time she comes in contact with it. This ineffective vaccine has put everyone at risk. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/2/15-0325_article
      https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/6/5/00-0512_article

      1. Drinda Rawlings Avatar
        Drinda Rawlings

        The article does not say that exactly. It was referring to a study done in 2000 in Israel using . It says that immunization (whole cell) does not last through adulthood and possibly not beyond adolescence. The CDC now suggests that adults around infants should be vaccinated against whooping cough again. It also uses the word may when it says that vaccinated people may be reservoirs for the disease and vaccinated children who contract whooping cough have a lesser case of it without the 3 markers. The study does not say that once a vaccinated child has whooping cough that they will have again. What it does say is that more study is needed. Vaccinated children may serve as transmitters of the disease, the caveat being may. The CDC publication on pertussis in August 2015 clarifies much of this. We now use DTap which is not whole cell and requires 5 doses. It renders 80-90% effectiveness. Children get a lesser case if vaccinated. Thing to remember is where we were and where we are now. The CDC says”Before pertussis vaccines became widely available in the 1940s, about 200,000 children got sick with it each year in the United States and about 9,000 died as a result of the infection. Now we see about 10,000 to 40,000 cases reported each year and unfortunately up to 20 deaths.” 200,000 to 20 in less than 75 years is improvement.

        1. Lisa Robinson Avatar
          Lisa Robinson

          My son is vaccine injured from Dtap. He had seizures so uncontrollable he was placed in medically induced coma . He is nine years old still in diapers with seizures sometimes 13 a day. No vaccine is safe for everyone Mitiocondrial disorders as Well as many other issues need to be considered before vaccination. It is irresponsible of a Dr to vaccinate without some prior genetic and immune function testing . I would gladly trade my chances with measles for brain damage any day.

    3. Michelle Avatar

      As an immunocomprimised individual, are you aware of the dangers of recently immunized people shedding the virus? It is actually a larger threat than non vaccinated people.

    4. Clare Avatar

      Hi Jen. I am immune suppresses also but my rheumatologist is pushing the flu vaccine. Interesting.

  19. Rachael Avatar

    What is your stance on routine vaccinations in general? My husband and I are debating whether or not to allow our child to get any vaccines – I never got them, and I find them unnecessary (my mom fought the school district hard to keep me vaccine free), but he is strongly for them. What do you suggest?

    1. Mandy Avatar

      im curious about this to my first daughter had all her shots
      up to 18 months and is not almost 4 my second daughter i researched more but was still clueless and she has had shots up to 6 months shes almost 2 now im 5 months pregnant with our third daughter and dont want to vaccinate but feel there is so much information and i just get lost

    2. Ruadhan Avatar

      While I believe the flu vaccine and the chicken pox vaccine are unnecessary (for a variety of reasons). I would suggest getting vaccines for potentially deadly diseases of which only one strain occurs such as measles (which, if contracted as an adult can lead to infertility and contracted as a child could lead to death), tetanus (although you only need this once every ten years, it is a truly awful disease to contract. If it doesn’t end up being lethal there can be permanent muscular damage and it can even break bones where the muscle is stronger). It’s best to research the disease as well as the vaccine and keep in mind that certain chemicals can stabilize others making them more safe (sodium and chlorine for example). In the case of chicken pox or the flu which is almost never fatal with our medical knowledge, and have such a variety of strains as the make their vaccines rather a crap shoot and kind of a waste of money, I’m usually opposed. In the cases of potentially lethal, often extremely painful diseases such as measles, whooping cough and tetanus, I would have to be for them.

      1. nancy m Avatar

        Hi,
        measles, whooping cough and tetanus can be devastating or even fatal if not treated properly with or without a vaccine. Even a flu if not treated properly can become deadly but that does not automatically mean that a vaccine will give you immunity. For example, Tetanus is a spore that lives in infected animals and the ONLY way you can get it is if you come in contact with the animal’s bodily fluids and when you do get infected, all you need is hydrogen peroxide poured on the wound and it kills the spore. Whooping Cough can be effectively treated with Vitamin C.

        1. Kyrie Avatar

          Please find a reputable source to back up these claims. If it were just this easy to eradicate it wouldn’t still exist. Anyone considering the above comment please go do your own research on the differences between spores, ENDOSPORES (what she’s talking about above) and vegetative forms of bacteria such as tetanus, c diff, anthrax, etc.

          As Wellness Mama has demonstrated in this article and always, education is your real best friend in making such a personal decision as choosing whether or not to vaccinate. If you find yourself thinking “yeah I think I could protect myself from tetanus endospores using only over the counter hydrogen peroxide” based on what you’ve read, that’s your choice. But please don’t blindly take my or hers or anyone’s word for it – research!

        2. Jessica Avatar

          I’m glad I came across this. I have a few pieces I would like to add.

          1. Vaccinations do not prevent an immune response, the create one which is why a symptom can often be a fever. Vaccinations use weakened or dead viruses to allow your immune system to see and respond to the virus, thus developing the anti-bodies, without the danger of a full strength virus causing dangerous symptoms such as extreme fevers, nerve damage, dehydration, siezures, or death.

          2. Thimerosal is a related to Mercury, but it is not elemental Mercury. What this means is that the Mercury in it is safely bonded to other elements like Carbon or Hydrogen and this makes it behave differently in the body than pure Mercury. It’s like how Sodium and Chlorine are both deadly on their own (one even explodes and creates a deadly acid when exposed to water) but Sodium-Chloride (Sodium and Chlorine mixed together) are safe and healthy because it’s (no joke) table salt. Like salt that you eat every day. The same with the Mercury molecule found in Thimerosal. In chemistry purity, amount, and length of exposure are what make something dangerous.

          3. I checked all your sources and couldn’t find anything about the genetic expression of autism symptoms and flu, could you please cite that?

          Thanks!

      2. Robin Avatar

        Ruadhan,
        Your thoughts on measles are a bit…..over the top. I had measles and mumps as a child. It was a right of passage to get them….seems like everyone did…..and you were off school a few days, home on the couch watching tv and then back at school. My immune system is stronger for it and I never got them again. It’s not that lethal. You sound so scared of them. My generation survived them just fine. The newer generation of mothers seem to blindly trust in their pediatricians and buy what the Big Pharma reps are selling their docs. I see a movement that are finally awakening and it’s good to see.

        1. Sarah Avatar

          I mean, at least 922 children and young adults have died in Madagascar due to a recent measles outbreak.. I think it also has to do with the fact that getting the measles when you’re 8,9,10 is way different than an infant with no immune system whatsoever catching it. I’m glad your experience was harmless, but the fact you didn’t die doesn’t really trump out the nearly thousand who did up until a couple of months ago. I don’t think it’s fair to make these claims without research, especially the moment you discredit the people who don’t agree with you by basically calling them “blind” to what the reality supposedly is

          1. Loredana Avatar

            “90% of Malagasy people live on less than $2 a day. Just 11% of the rural population has access to an improved latrine; 34% to clean water, according to UNICEF. No wonder diarrhea is one of the top killers of children, along with pneumonia and malaria. Malnutrition rates are the fourth highest in the world.

            Forgotten diseases take a heavy toll: schistosomiasis, filariasis, leprosy, even plague, the Black Death of the Middle Ages, which returns like clockwork every fall—last year in the most fearsome outbreak ever.” https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/02/prescription-madagascar-s-broken-health-system-data-and-focus-details

            VITAMIN A

            Measles and Vitamin A: (World Health Organization info)

            “Treatment

            Severe complications from measles can be avoided through supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration with WHO-recommended oral rehydration solution. This solution replaces fluids and other essential elements that are lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Antibiotics should be prescribed to treat eye and ear infections, and pneumonia.

            All children diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This treatment restores low vitamin A levels during measles that occur even in well-nourished children and can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have been shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles by 50%.”

            from: World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles

    3. Laura Avatar

      Extended vaccination schedule coupled with homeopathic drops. I take my kids to a integrative pediatrician M.D. who does an extended version of vaccinations so they are not getting five, six, and seven types of vaccines at one time which is not good for their immune system. Also, she gives homeopathic drops at the time of the vaccine to decrease risk of side effects. In addition, she does not even offer Gardasil because of the high risk of neurological side effects that can be permanent. She does not encourage the flu shot either and has a anti-flu regimen for her patients to follow involving elderberry syrup and vitamin D. Fortunately, my kids got the chickenpox on their own which was better for us as I did not want to add another vaccination to my kid’s bodies. So it’s not an all or nothing approach.

      1. Abby Avatar

        I’m curious – what “homeopathic drops” do you use? I love your take on the all or nothing approach!

  20. Felice Avatar

    Thimerosal in Swine Flu Vaccines is Safe? Who are we kidding??

    There will be MOST DEFINITELY be thimerosal in many if not most H1N1 vaccines. Directly from the CDC: “The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines that FDA is licensing (approving) will be manufactured in several formulations. Some will come in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. Some 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines will be available in single-dose units, which will not require the use of thimerosal as a preservative. In addition, the live-attenuated version of the vaccine, which is administered intranasally (through the nose), is produced in single-units and will not contain thimerosal.” https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

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