The Flu Shot: Poison or Protection?

Karen Asbury, M.D.

By Karen Asbury, MD

It’s flu season and so many patients have raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot, especially with all the new recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are the CDC recommendations for flu vaccination as of January 2012, followed by their reported effectiveness.

CDC Recommendations for Flu Vaccination

For Children: In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all children 6 months to 18 years of age get vaccinated for the flu. (This expanded inoculations to an additional 30 million more school children.)

Effectiveness: The CDC made this recommendation even though a study published in the October 2008 Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that vaccinating young children against the flu appeared to have no impact on flu-related doctor visits or hospitalizations during two recent flu seasons. After adjusting for variables, the researchers concluded that "significant influenza vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting."

Another review of 51 studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2006 also found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective for children than a placebo.

For Seniors: The latest recommendation is that Seniors age 65 and over be given Fluzone High-Dose, which contains four times the microbial antigen as the regular Fluzone vaccine. Antigens are the lab-altered flu viruses that prompt your body to produce antibodies. These antibodies are intended to fight the three different influenza strains contained in the current flu vaccine.

The Fluzone High-Dose package insert states: "Data from clinical trials comparing Fluzone to Fluzone High-Dose among persons aged 65 years or older indicate that a stronger immune response (i.e. higher antibody levels) occurs after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose. Whether or not the improved immune response leads to greater protection against influenza disease after vaccination is not yet known. An ongoing study designed to determine the effectiveness of Fluzone High-Dose in preventing illness from influenza compared to Fluzone is expected to be completed in 2014-2015."

Effectiveness: There is already admission that nobody knows whether it will actually be able to prevent seniors from getting the flu. This means that for the next four years, seniors receiving this more potent dose of the flu vaccine are participating in what amounts to be an uncontrolled experiment.

All this vaccination frenzy with so little benefit, except to the drug companies and their bottom line.

More Considerations

If you have not had your flu shot yet, my recommendation is that you don't get it, unless you are at high risk. If you have had your flu shot, this is what was likely in it, along with the vaccine: Mercury in the form of Thimerosal, Aluminum, and Formaldehyde (embalming fluid). The majority of flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury, an amount considered to be unsafe for anyone weighing less than 550lbs.

Have you wondered why autism in children has gone from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 150? The relationship between the increase in autism and the mercury in vaccines is currently being studied. It is well known that mercury in the brain inhibits tubulin, which is necessary for brain cells to connect to each other and communicate. All this couldn't possibly be related to Alzheimer's... or could it? Mercury is not only in vaccinations, it is also in fish and in those silver amalgam fillings (more on those mercury fillings another time).

To make matters worse, the flu shot simply does not work. It only protects against certain strains of viruses, and it's anyone's guess about which flu viruses you will be exposed to this year. It is impossible to accurately predict how well the vaccine and circulating strains of virus will be matched. It is reported that 36,000 deaths are attributed to flu annually. These statistics have been presented to the public in a very misleading manner. Only 1000 of the 36,000 deaths were actually from the flu; the other 35,000 were due to complications, such as pneumonia.

While I am not against all vaccines, I do fully support vaccine choice and safety. You might want to consider this information before you decide to have another flu shot or vaccination.

So, how do you stay healthy during flu season?

Vitamin D is a Powerful Force Against the Flu

There is a large body of information coming out now based on studies showing that a major portion of the population is Vitamin D deficient. And it fact, it appears that Vitamin D deficiency may be rampant. I can verify this with the patients I have tested. In addition to making bones stronger, Vitamin D is a powerful force against the flu. Here’s why:

In response to adequate Vitamin D levels, the body releases antimicrobial peptides, which are the front line of defense against potential pathogens.

It has been hypothesized that Vitamin D levels decrease when there is less sun, as during the winter, or “flu season.” So a person low in Vitamin D becomes more vulnerable to flu, colds and other respiratory infections.

In fact, recent evidence indicates that lower respiratory tract infections are more frequent in those with low levels of Vitamin D. Researchers have found that 2000 IU of Vitamin D per day significantly reduced the self-reported incidence of flu and its seasonality.

Keep Your Immune System Strong

Here are my recommendations for how you and your family can avoid the flu:

Take 2000 - 4000 IU of Vitamin D daily to avoid the flu. More may be taken if you should get the flu. Studies show even up to 200,000 IU daily for 3 days. (I have not recommended this high of a dose yet for any of my patients who get the flu — 100,000 IU for 3 days seems to do the job).

Eat nutrient-rich foods. These are primarily your vegetables and fruits. Your plate should be 3/4 vegetable and as raw as possible.

Eliminate sugar and acid addictions from your diet. Acid addictions are sodas, coffee, or tea.

Exercise regularly. This oxygenates your tissues and helps the immune system.Special Note: If you take creatine before your workouts, do not take ibuprofen. The combination is harmful to the kidneys. (Check back soon to learn more about muscle pain and anti-inflammatory medication.)

Get adequate sleep. This varies by individual but is usually 7 to 9 hours nightly.

Address emotional issues and minimize stress. Stress suppresses immune function.

Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face and especially your nose.

Take 2000 mg of Vitamin C, 2-3 times daily.

So in summary, I believe you don’t need a vaccine! The best way to avoid the flu is to make some simple lifestyle changes that will keep your own immune system strong.

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The statements in this column represent the opinions of the author, Karen Asbury, M.D. They have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not intended to be a substitute for traditional medical care and should not be used in place of prescription medications without the direction of your physician. Always consult your doctor before beginning this or any other nutritional regimen to make sure that it is appropriate for you.