How
Safe Is The FLU SHOT?
By
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny
News
reports have been flooding us with articles warning that the
impending flu season may be the worst in years. Even though
it is difficult to separate the facts from the hype, a close
evaluation of the flu vaccine will reveal that serious questions
must be raised about the recommendations that are routinely
touted, namely high efficacy with little risk. Anyone considering
a flu shot should become informed about the substances coming
through that needle, and should be determined to investigate
the safety and efficacy issues that are still unresolved.
The
vaccine virus
Each
year, a new vaccine is developed that contains three different
viruses (one influenza B and two influenza A strains). CDC
officials select the new viruses based on which viruses were
prevalent during the flu season in China and Australia the
previous year. The CDC admits that the viruses selected for
the new vaccine are chosen on the basis of an “educated
guess.” [i]
What’s
in a flu shot?
The
influenza virus is grown in “specific pathogen-free” (SPF)
eggs. Eggs are tested for a variety of agents—usually
between 23 and 31—to confirm the absence of those specific
pathogens. Laboratories limit the number of agents that are
screened due to the shear abundance of potential viruses and/or
bacteria to choose from. In addition, screening for every potential
agent would be cost prohibitive.[ii] If none of the tested
agents are detected, the vaccine is reported as “pathogen
free.”
However,
it should be understood that there is a distinct difference
between “pathogen free” and “specific pathogen-free.” In
its July 1996 report, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged
that “although it is not possible to produce a completely
uncontaminated animal, it is possible to produce an animal
[or egg] certified to be free of specific pathogens.”[iii]
Viruses that are harmless to their animal host, however, may
be potentially harmful to humans.
During
the manufacturing process, antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin
B and gentamicin) are added to eliminate stray bacteria found
in the mixture. The final solution can contain the following
additives in any combination: Triton X-100 (a detergent); polysorbate
80 (a potential carcinogen); gelatin; formaldehyde; and residual
egg proteins. In addition, many of the influenza vaccines still
contain thimerosal as a preservative. Thimerosal (mercury)
is being investigated for its link to brain injury and autoimmune
disease.
Does
the flu shot protect?
There
are no guarantees that the influenza viruses selected for the
vaccine will be the identical strains circulating during a
given flu season. In fact, last year's flu vaccine did not
include the strain that was being reported by doctors in the
community called the “A Fujian” strain. Outbreaks
were reported in Texas, Colorado and elsewhere[iv] that involved
strains that did not match the flu vaccine. CDC tests had confirmed
that more than 80 per cent of the 55 strains of influenza virus
isolated last year were the A Fujian strain. Even so, the CDC
still maintains that a vaccine could provide cross-protection
against the new variant, but the fact is, no one knows for
sure.
Moreover,
the majority of illnesses characterized by fever, fatigue,
cough and aching muscles are not caused by the influenza virus.
Non-influenza viruses (e.g., rhinoviruses respiratory syncytial
virus [RSV], adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses) can cause
symptoms referred to influenza-like illnesses (ILI). Certain
bacteria, such as Legionella spp., Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma
pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, have been documented
as the causes of ILI.[v]
Notably,
these microbes are not part of the flu vaccine. Unless an organism’s
antigen is contained within the vaccine, there is no protection
conferred by the vaccine. It is estimated that most adults
will average 1-3 episodes of ILI, and most children will average
3-6 episodes. The CDC also admits that “many persons
who have been vaccinated against influenza can still get the
flu”[vi]
Targeting
the elderly
The
flu vaccine is generally recommended for persons aged 65 and
older, and those with medical conditions who could experience
serious complications from the flu. Medical journals report
broad differences in effectiveness for the elderly, ranging
from 0 to 85%.
The
CDC states that 90% of deaths from influenza occur among the
elderly. Considering that nearly 65% of all deaths (from any
cause) occur in this age group, it is nearly impossible to
prove that flu shots significantly increase life expectancy
in this group. The truth is that most people—young and
old—will weather a bout of the flu without hospitalization
or complications.
A
serious concern: Alzheimer’s Disesase
Hugh
Fudenberg, MD, an immunogeneticist and biologist with nearly
850 papers published in peer review journals, has reported
that if an individual had five consecutive flu shots between
1970 and 1980 (the years studied), his/her chances of getting
Alzheimer's Disease is ten times higher than if they had zero,
one, or two shots.[vii]
Dr.
Boyd Haley, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry
at the University of Kentucky, Lexington has done extensive
research in the area of mercury toxicity and the brain. Haley’s
research has established a likely connection between mercury
toxicity and Alzheimer’s disease. [viii] In a paper published
in collaboration with researchers at University of Calgary,
Haley stated that “seven of the characteristic markers
that we look for to distinguish Alzheimer's disease can be
produced in normal brain tissues, or cultures of neurons, by
the addition of extremely low levels of mercury.”[ix]
Does
this prove that the mercury contained in the influenza shot
can be directly linked to Alzheimer’s? No, absolutely
not. But further research in this area is critically needed
because the absence of proof is not the “proof of absence.”[x]
Flu
vaccine now for children
The
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adopted
a resolution effective March 1, 2003 that expanded the use
of the influenza vaccine to include children aged 6-23 months.
The recommendations also included vaccinating those aged 2
to 18 years who live in households containing children younger
than 2 years of age.[xi]
The
flu vaccine most commonly given to children is Fluzone>,
a trivalent vaccine grown in chicken eggs. Harvested with formaldehyde
and containing the recommended ratio of 15 ug of each of the
three prototype viral strains, each dose of Fluzone> also
contains 25 ug of mercury.[xii] The new CDC recommendations
include giving the influenza vaccine to children beginning
at six months of age and then annually, for the rest of their
lives. Children less than age 9 receiving their first flu shot,
two doses of vaccine are recommended, with a minimum interval
of one month between the two doses. However, the CDC does not
provide a direct reference to substantiate this recommendation.[xiii]
On
June 17, 2003, the FDA approved an intranasal influenza vaccine
for use in healthy persons aged 5–49 years. Flumist> is
a live-virus vaccine that can cause a litany of problems. (for
further information on FluMist)
Alternatives?
If
you choose not to receive the flu shot, have a discussion with
your doctor regarding other options. However, some simple and
possibly quite effective things you can do for yourself to
prevent the flu include: 1) avoid white sugar;[xiv] 2) exercise
regularly; 3) get adequate sleep; 4) eat a healthy diet, omitting
trans-fats; 5) drink plenty of purified water daily and 6)
wash your hands 7) rebuild and re-educate your immune system
using a reliable source ( Patented Transfer Factor, Transfer
Factor Plus, TF Kids, TF Chewables or TF Spray.
A
common way people contract viral illnesses is by rubbing their
nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated
with a virus. The CDC states, “the most important thing
you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.”[xv]
We
are so used to taking medications—for prevention and
treatment—that it is difficult to comprehend that these
modest recommendations are really the most powerful ways to
minimize the likelihood of getting the flu.
Making
the decision
You
may decide to consult a physician who is schooled in alternative
medicine to assess a variety of options for you and your family.
What is most important, in the end, is to become as informed
as possible regarding your options for keeping healthy and
avoiding the flu.
REFERENCES
[i]
Sabin, Russel and Reynolds. Breakdowns Mar Flu Shot Program
Production, distribution delays raise fears of nation vulnerable
to epidemic. San Francisco Chronicle. Feb. 25, 2001
[ii]
Charles River Laboratories, A Laboratory Animal Health Monitoring
Program: Rationale and Development,' (Winter 1990); Source:
Internet address
[iii]
Institute of Medicine Press Release: Federal Guidelines Needed
to Ensure Safety in Animal-to-Human Organ Transplants. July
17, 1996.
[iv]CBS:
The Associated Press. CDC Says Flu Season Is Going Strong in
Parts of U.S., Vaccine Doesn't Match Strain Doctors See.
[v]
MMWR. November 9, 2001 / 50(44);984-6
[vi]
MMWR Nov. 9, 2001/50(44); 984-6
[vii]
Hugh Fudenberg, MD, is Founder and Director of Research, Neurolmmuno
Therapeutic Research Foundation. Information from Dr. Hugh
Fudenberg came from transcribed notes of Dr. Fudenberg's speech
at the NVIC International Vaccine Conference, Arlington, VA
September, 1997. Quoted with permission.
[viii]
The Relationship of Toxic Effects of Mercury to Exacerbation
of the Medical Condition Classified as Alzheimer’s Disease
by Boyd E. Haley, PhD.
[ix]
NeuroReport, 12(4):733-737, 2001
[x]
http://www.testfoundation.org/
[xi]
MMWR. 2002;51[RR-3]:1-31
[xii]
Package insert. Influenza Virus VaccineFluzone® 2003 – 2004
Formula
[xiii]
MMWR. 2002: 51 [RR-3], pg. 19
[xiv]
All forms of refined sugar depress white blood cells' ability
to destroy bacteria. See Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in
human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973;26:1180.
[xv]CDC—Handwashing:
An ounce of prevention keeps the germs away.
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