If you question the wisdom of this annual rite of passage you are not alone in your disdain for the flu shot. You’ll be happy to know that science is on your side. For example, there is the study that was done in Ontario to determine whether the incidence of influenza there decreased following the introduction of their Universal Influenza Immunization Campaign(UIIC) in 2000. They found that there has not been a decrease in the mean monthly influenza rate following the itroduction of their campaign. The authors concluded“Despite increased vaccine dilstruibution and finacial resources towards promotion, the inciednce of influeza in Ontario has not decreased following the introduction of the UIIC.”
In another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine that looked at the role of the flu vaccine in relation to benefit, the authors attributed the decline in influenza related mortality among people 65 to 74 years in the decade after the 1968 pandemic to the acquisition of immunity to the emerging A(H3N2) virus. The researchers could not correclate increasing vaccination coverage after 1980 with declining mortality rates in any age group. They concluded that because fewer that 10% of all wiinter deaths were attributable to influenza in any season, that observational studies substantially overestimate vaccination benefit.
Out of Reuters World Report, Feb 2005 – Arch Intern Med, 2005
Lives saved by flu Vaccine – Zero? Predictions were that 50% of those vaccinated would not die. Based on mortality rates from 1968-2001 the National insititute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases found no correlation between increased vaccination rates after 1980 & decreased death rates. Researchers are now saying earlier studies were flawed & the elderly may not be getting much benefit because many fail to produce antibodies in response to the vaccination. Natural immunity may be responsible for the earlier perceived benefits.
Why is it that in this country we are bombarded with free or low cost flu vaccine??? In my opinion, it is soley for the increased purchase for over the counter remedies that also do not offer any relief except a lighter wallet.
Dr. Big Mike
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