Flu Vaccines
by author Patty Smith, FHCH, DVHH, BSEd

But they don’t always guess right, as evidenced during the 2003-2004 flu season, when the Fijian strain of influenza A was prevalent, yet hadn’t been included in the flu shots given to millions of Canadians. The CDC explained that, once they’d determined the correct strain of the flu, there wasn’t enough time to grow the viral material to produce the vaccine needed. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending a flu vaccine for the 2004-2005 season in Canada contain virus antigens to protect against the New Caledonia and Fijian strains of influenza A and the Shanghai strain of influenza B. Only time will tell if they have gambled safely with the health of Canadians.

Odds Are Low

In September 1993 doctors of the Dutch National Influenza Centrum reported that a year earlier two-thirds of residents at an Amsterdam nursing home were vaccinated for the flu. In March 1993 a severe flu struck 49 percent of them and 10 percent died. Of those vaccinated, 50 percent got sick, compared with 48 percent of those not vaccinated.

Aunt Margaret decided that, with these odds, she’d be better off not taking the vaccine, and she’d rather build a strong immune system and take measures to protect herself.

Flu Shots For Children and Pregnant Women?

It’s now recommended that children from 23 months to six years have not one, but two flu shots. Yet the CDC admits the level of protection is unknown, because there are no studies showing efficacy of one shot versus two in young, previously unvaccinated children.

“I’m not sure I like this,” Carolyn says. “When I think of all the vaccines recommended for Nicholas before he’s two years old, do I really want to add two more? Especially without studies proving that the shot is safe or even works? On top of that, now I have to wonder what risks there are for my unborn child if I get the flu shot myself.”

It is worrisome that the flu vaccine is one that still contains mercury. Fetuses and children age 14 and younger are the most vulnerable to mercury toxicity, according to the CDC. An article in the August 1999 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology says the greatest susceptibility to the nervous system toxicity of mercury occurs during late gestation, which is exactly when Carolyn would be getting her flu shot.

I showed Carolyn a video I found online from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, that demonstrates how mercury exposure causes brain neuron degeneration (commons.ucalgary.ca/mercury/). “That’s enough for me,” said Carolyn. “I guess we all have to decide for ourselves if the benefits outweigh the risks, and I’ve made my decision, and I’m not comfortable risking our health.”

Boost Your Immunity Against the Flu

Echinacea 1000 mg daily
Goldenseal 100 mg three times daily
Astragalus 200 mg three times daily
Garlic 600 mg three times daily

Source: Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, Healthy Immunity (Macmillan Canada, 2001)

Protect Yourself from Colds and Flu

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often to keep from picking up germs.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control

Patty Smith, FHCH, DVHH, BSEd, a doctor of homeopathic medicine and medical Heilkunst, practises through the Hahnemann Clinic for Heilkunst in Ottawa. heilkunst.com.

Source: alive #264, October 2004