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Is the flu shot safe or effective
  • Health

Is the Flu Shot Safe?

Katie WellsOct 14, 2009Updated: Mar 9, 2020
Reading Time: 5 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Is the Flu Shot Safe?
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Terms, Defined
  • What's the Flu Vaccine?+−
    • Is Flu Vaccine Recommended for Children?
    • Is the flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
    • Additional Resources
  • Pros & Cons of the Flu Shot+−
    • Is Flu Vaccine Recommended for Children?
    • Is the flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
    • Additional Resources

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

  • FluMist by MedImmune, LLC – Product Insert & Licensing Information, Category B

Quadrivalent Vaccines – Injected

  • Fluarix Quadrivalent by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category B
  • Fluzone Quadrivalent by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. – Package Insert & Licensing Information, Category C

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.
    • Package Insert – Fluzone & Licensing Information, Category C
    • Package Insert – Fluzone High Dose & Licensing Information, Category C
    • Package Insert – Fluzone Intradermal & Licensing Information, Category B

      In short, the following ingredients can be found in some of the different flu vaccines (and even the CDC confirms many of these):

    • 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

Sources
  • Osterholm M, Kelley N, Sommer A, Belongia E, Efficacy and Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Early Online Publication, 26 October 2011, doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(11)70295-X
  • Enstone J. 2010. Influenza transmission and related infection control issues. Introduction to Pandemic Influenza (pp. 57-72). CABI.
  • Jefferson T, Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, Bawazeer GA, Al-Ansary LA, Ferroni E. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD001269. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001269.pub4.
  • Freed GL, Clark SJ. 2010. Parental Vaccine Safety Concerns in 2009. Pediatrics.
  • Jefferson T., Debalini MG et al. 2009. Relation of study quality, concordance, take home message, funding, and impact in studies of influenza vaccines; systematic review. British Medical Journal.
  • Aledort TE, Lurie N et al. 2007. Non-pharmaceutical public health interventions for pandemic influenza: an evaluation of the evidence base. BMC Public Health.
  • Jefferson T. 2006. Influenza vaccination: policy versus evidence. British Medical Journal.
  • King WD, Woolhandler SJ et al. 2006. Influenza Vaccination and Health Care Workers in the U.S. Journal of General Internal Medicine.
  • Simonsen L., Clarke MJ et al. 1998. Pandemic versus Epidemic Influenza Mortality: A Pattern of Changing Age Distribution. Journal of Infectious Diseases.
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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and 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.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (106 Comments)

  1. Keisha Pitt

    September 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    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.

    Reply
  2. Patricia king

    September 1, 2015 at 4:19 AM

    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

    Reply
  3. Claus

    August 31, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    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,

    Reply
  4. Missy

    August 31, 2015 at 8:21 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Molly

      October 28, 2015 at 5:36 PM

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

      Reply
  5. colleen

    August 31, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    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

    Reply
  6. Candace

    August 31, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    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!

    Reply
  7. Alyssa

    February 2, 2015 at 11:03 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Tara Czepiel

      February 3, 2015 at 11:57 PM

      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.

      Reply
      • Whitney

        October 30, 2015 at 10:27 AM

        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!

        Reply
  8. Mary De la cruz

    January 24, 2015 at 1:31 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Betty

      March 3, 2015 at 2:07 PM

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

      Reply
  9. Claire

    January 15, 2015 at 10:23 PM

    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!!

    Reply
  10. Kristin

    December 6, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    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!

    Reply
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