Flu season is just around the corner, and the flu shot debate has already begun to created quite the frenzy on social media outlets: “to get or or not to get a flu shot.” As a physician, I am often asked my opinion on the subject. The issue with vaccinations is very complex. It’s highly individualized and dependent upon your genetics ( MTHFR status ), your current health status, and of course, your own beliefs.
As a <ahref=”https://www.austinultrahealth.com/about/what-is-functional-medicine/” target=”_blank” data-cke-saved-href=”https://www.austinultrahealth.com/about/what-is-functional-medicine/”>functional medicine physician, my goal is get to the root cause and correct any underlying health issues so that you have a solid foundation to fight off any kind of infection, including the flu. Before you run out to the corner of happy and healthy and get your flu vaccine, lets look at the actual ingredients in these vaccines, their effectiveness in preventing illness, your legal rights, and natural alternatives.
Is the Influenza Vaccine Effective?
According to a study in 2008, the influenza vaccine was only 59% successful and benefited only 36% of the healthy children over the age of 2 who received it. Another study from 2008 indicated that the number of children’s doctor visits or hospitalizations did not differ between vaccinated and non-vaccinated children measured over two consecutive flu seasons, suggesting that the influenza vaccine had very little effect on children’s overall health status. Additional studies show that flu vaccines do not prevent influenza transmission to the patients of healthcare workers.
What’s in a flu shot?
- egg protein (cell culture)
- sucrose (stabilizers)
- gelatin (stabilizers)
- polysorbate 80 (stabilizer)
- aluminum salts (adjuvants)
- formaldehyde (inactivating ingredient)
- thimerosal/mercury (preservative)
- penicillin/sulfa drugs (antibiotics)
The manufacturing of the flu vaccine begins with an egg protein, which is used to grow enough virus to make the vaccine. Next, formaldehyde is added to kill the virus, and small doses of antibiotics are included to prevent any bacterial contamination of the vaccine during the manufacturing process. Thimerosal is added in most flu vaccines as a preservative to prevent any further contamination, and sucrose, polysorbate 80, or gelatin is added to stabilize the vaccine for transportation and storage. Finally, aluminum salts are added in order to help stimulate an immune response to the “dead” virus.
Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens and detergents that have harmful or unknown effects on the human body. Package inserts for Fluarix and Fluvirin even state that they are uncertain as to whether or not your fertility will be affected by the vaccine.
Formaldehyde is a powerful chemical used as a disinfectant and preservative in mortuaries and medical labs. It is listed as a human carcinogen in the 12th Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program.
Studies have demonstrated that thimerosal can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases by suppressing the overall immune system and causing