Even if the flu vaccine has some risk of side-effects, it is, in my opinion, unpatriotic to decline to get a flu shot, because you are declining to take a small risk in order to protect your fellow citizens. To me, that’s pretty simple.
^^^Sure, and I love science for that. At the same time, I realize that science has its limits. If there is a brand new drug on the market, I am not going to be chomping at the bit to try it, even if it’s deemed safe for the time being. Food colorings, dyes, preservatives, etc. were at one time or another considered safe too. Only recently did we start finding out that there are issues with long-term uses of these substances. So decisions on dyes have been officially reversed.
Especially given the way that small children play in the dirt and put everything in their mouths…
Taking antibiotics for an influenza infection is worse than useless. Influenza is caused by a virus, not a bacteria that antibiotics can be effective against.
We already discussed adverse affects from vaccines. Of course they happen. That is different than a reproducible global effect from a vaccine.
In the Bliss book mentioned in the Daily Beast article above (“On Immunity”), in addition to talking about immunity as a societal phenomenon, she also wonders why anti-vaxxers would be so averse to a vaccine but seemingly not as worried about the infection itself, arguably a much worse ‘toxin’ to introduce to the body. It’s a very good question. We’re worried about the (non- or almost-non existent) dangers of a vaccine that works but not to the disease itself, which is undeniably more toxic to the host?
My partner just got a letter from his employer that all care workers must provide proof of certain vaccinations within the next few weeks. I’m happy about it… He’s annoyed especially because his parents can’t remember who his pediatrician was but he understands why it’s necessary.
Food colorings, dyes, and preservatives are all proven safe, there are simply some historical uses of which that were toxic. If a new drug arrives on the market that prevents a disease, so long as the side effects are better than disease I am going to take it(if I need it of course).
For the flu vaccine, I think it’s fair for the MD and patient to balance the medical risk to the patient of taking the vaccine vs. not taking it and deciding accordingly, especially if the patient has significantly bad reactions that last weeks each time and may have a worse reaction with the next flu vaccine and worst of all may trigger a very bad chronic condition to flare up. The science for the flu vaccine is not as solid as for the other vaccines against childhood diseases. In any case, my docs are unanimous and my kids and I will not have them vaccinated for FLU only due to unreasonable risks to them.
It’s wise to be wary of new, artificial, substances and to want to know exactly what is in your food (or drug). It is also wise to know where the components come from. We’ve seen problems with dog food and baby formula where one or more component was made in China. More than 90% of the world’s ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is made in China. I think anything with genetically modified ingredients should be labelled. It doesn’t matter to me if official science thinks it’s safe or not, it is my choice.
Public health is another matter. Making choices that are bad for public health should be discouraged or disallowed. I wouldn’t go so far as to mandate yearly flu vaccines except for health care workers and others who are around sensitive populations. The flu vaccine is too inexact, but it does help.
I think you’re being naive. There are some pretty horrible diseases out there where patients are waiting anxiously for new treatments to come out, and the first day they are available, they will be lining up to take them. I’m pretty sure if you knew of some of the suffering that goes on with this stuff and then it happened to you, you wouldn’t be so cavalier about declining new medications.
^As someone currently enrolled in a stage 3 drug trial I heartily agree!
@Hayden, there has been research indicating that there may be some risk of GB with flu vaccine. However, if you dig a little further, you find that there is actually a HIGHER risk of GB if one actually contracts influenza or an influenza like illness.
I read on CNN that Dr. Jack Wolfson is now being investigated by the Arizona Medical Board.
@Onward, he is being investigated for what?
“Unpatriotic”? Wow, now my allegiance to my country is part of it?
I have to get all kinds of exotic vaccines as a condition of my work visas or my employer for the crazy places I have to travel to, but I have never been required under those terms to get a flu vaccine, so I just don’t bother.
Nrdsb4- http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/05/health/anti-vaccine-doctor-jack-wolfson/index.html
The Board says it has had two complaints but the Board does not disclose the nature of them. I don’t know enough about the nature of these things to know if the complaints may be from other doctors or patients. I just found it interesting in the light of everything.
I don’'t understand why you are all discussing vaccinations, when according to this website Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) seems to be much more of a risk to society:
http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html
Perhaps the anitvaxers would be spending their time more usefully if they focused on this subject. The dangers associated with DHMO listed in the link are frightening!
You laugh, but that’s the level of stupidity these anti-vaxers are at. The very fact that they promote not vaxing shows their stupidity - a smart non-vaxer WANTS everyone else to vax so they can free ride on herd immunity.
There’s really a “dyhydrogen monoxide” website? Is that a joke? As we know, dihydrogen monoxide, or H2O, is water. Are they trying to prove that people can be scared and duped by anything? If so, guess they are succeeding. Good heavens.
Yes, it is a joke to show that people can be scared and duped by anything.