Should You Get a Flu Shot?

Should You Get a Flu Shot?

“Safe and effective.” 

“The single most effective way to prevent influenza.” 

“The flu vaccine cannot cause infection of the flu.”

Have you heard these sound bites before? Medical professionals, friends on social media, local news anchors, your neighbors, and government authorities repeat the mantra that vaccines are safe and effective. But is the flu vaccine really as safe as everyone claims? 

This article will outline major ingredients and issues associated with flu vaccines so that you can best decide whether or not to get a flu shot.

Recommendations:

The CDC recommends that individuals 6 months and older receive an age appropriate annual influenza vaccination. Individuals who have no previous influenza vaccination and are between the ages of 6 months through 8 years old are recommended to receive two doses more than 4 weeks apart (1).

The effectiveness of the vaccine is known to lessen with age. For this reason, a high dose vaccine and an adjuvanted flu vaccine is specifically designed for people 65 years and older (2, 34).

Vaccination recommendations for the 2019-2020 influenza season include inactivated, recombinant, and live attenuated influenza vaccinations (3, 4). These types of vaccines will be addressed throughout this article.

What the Vaccine Manufacturers Tell Us:

When is the last time that you read a vaccine package insert or discussed your unique risks and benefits with your doctor? Or was the lure of a $10 gift card to your local pharmacy or a free movie ticket on behalf of your employer so attractive that you didn’t even realize you were getting an experimental pharmaceutical drug? 

Reading a package insert, written by the vaccine manufacturer and approved by the FDA, is enough to cast doubt on the safety of vaccines. The following precautions and known adverse reactions are listed on inserts for currently approved and marketed influenza vaccines (1, 5, 35):

Contraindications:

• History of anaphylaxis to any component in a vaccine (ie. egg protein, yeast, etc.) or severe allergy following the administration of any influenza vaccine or other related vaccine with components such as hepatitis B.

Warnings:

• Consideration before vaccination should be given if an individual has experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of prior influenza vaccination.
• Fainting from injections can occur.
• Apnea has occurred in infants born prematurely.

The Most Common Adverse Reactions:

• Muscular aches and/or myalgia, headache
• Pain and redness at the injection site
• Fever, diarrhea
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite or change in eating habits
• Drowsiness, fatigue, and weakness
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Induration (localized hardening of soft tissue)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Rhinitis (symptoms may include sneezing, stuffiness or runny nose)

Note that the reactions listed above are only the “most common” occurrences in short term clinical trials conducted by the vaccine manufacturer. How did we ever allow the fox to guard the henhouse?

What rare or extreme reactions occurred? What other side effects have the study discarded? How many people (who may have experienced notable side effects) dropped out of the study, and therefore were not included in the statistics?

The manipulation of data and “scientific analysis” is a major issue and poses health risks to the public (6, 7).

What about Pregnant and Nursing Women?

You will find this or a comparable statement listed on vaccine inserts:

“[Vaccine name] has not been evaluated for its carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or its potential to impair fertility.” (5)

Chilling, isn’t it?

The toxicity and its effects on a growing fetus is unknown. It is also unknown whether a vaccine’s toxic components are excreted in breast milk and what effect this may have on a newborn’s development. Despite all this, pregnant and nursing women are still encouraged to receive their annual flu shot.

Understanding the Components of Vaccines:

Ingredients can differ between vaccines including types of viruses, presence and types of adjuvant(s), and the incubation material in which a virus is grown. This section will highlight key terms regarding vaccines and the possible complications associated with each.

Adjuvant: An ingredient added to a vaccine in order to stimulate a stronger immune response by boosting the antibody response of viral or bacterial antigens. (2) Adjuvants are known to be highly toxic, which is why they create a stimulatory immune response. Examples: Aluminum, thimerosal, formaldehyde, and MF59. (8, 36)

MF59: This is a water-in-oil adjuvant that can be found in the FLUAD vaccine recommended for the geriatric population but is also licensed for use in several other vaccines. MF59 contains squalene, polysorbate 80, and sorbitan trioleate (polysorbate 85). MF59 is currently undergoing trials. (11)

This begs the question: Shouldn’t this ingredient be tested before it is injected into thousands of people with already weakened immune systems?

Attenuated Virus: The CDC writes that a live attenuated virus (LAV) is a weakened live virus with the intent to stimulate an immune response without causing infection or severe side effects. (12)

History confirms that a LAV can in fact illicit severe health consequences. A paper published in 1994 by the IOM (Institutes of Medicine) noted the first reported case of infection from a LAV dates back to 1967. A two-year-old received a live attenuated measles vaccine and developed severe adverse effects including encephalopathy (brain inflammation). (14)

Problems with the Viral Attenuation Process:

How exactly is a virus weakened to reduce its pathogenic virulence?

Scientists admit that viral attenuation is challenging and has relied heavily on “trial and error”.  The process is a “haphazard” methodology. It creates unpredictable mutations in the virus that can even produce a virulent strain. (22)

Despite improvements in the design, viral attenuation is a flawed process posing major areas of concern. Here are a few questions to consider regarding the un-tested risks of an annual flu shot:

• Could people who report getting the flu after the vaccine actually be contracting the influenza virus from the vaccine?

• Without knowing what quantities, exact strains, and contaminants are in vaccines, is it even possible to assess risks and benefits? What synergistic effects can occur from this toxic soup?
• What are the consequences of having multiple vaccines administered at the same time (especially on the pediatric schedule)? What new (recombinant) viruses are produced and what devastating potential can occur?
• How do vaccines affect our genes? Can these genetic influences be passed down to offspring?

Incubation Medium for Growing Viruses:

Hen eggs: Many flu vaccines are manufactured using an egg-based incubation process. Egg embryos are injected with a viral solution and, after an incubation period, the suspension is removed. Despite the centrifugation process designed to remove contaminants, chicken blood, chicken proteins, and chicken remains are found in the flu shot. (14, 15, 16, 19)

Sadly, even individuals with known egg allergies are still recommended to receive a flu shot. If anaphylaxis in a child isn’t bad enough, these chicken remnants left behind in the flu vaccine contain pathogens such as the avian leukemia virus associated with common forms of breast cancer. (20) 

Cell-Based: Cell-based flu vaccines contain influenza viruses grown in cultures containing mammalian cells instead of egg embryos. (17)

Animal cells used include Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. MDCK cells have the ability to divide infinite times making them cheaper than hen eggs, and easier to bank in the event of a flu pandemic. MDCK cells are also oncogenic (cancer-causing). (18)

As early as 1998 the FDA discussed the use of these tumor-causing cells for use in vaccines but concluded that they would limit its quantity. Currently, Flucelvax Quadrivalent is produced from dog cells and is an approved flu shot recommended in children starting at age 4. (17, 19)

Could vaccines be linked to pediatric cancer? (21)

Is it Effective?

To say that a flu shot is the single most effective way to prevent the flu you have to assume that the flu shot is effective.

To learn whether or not an influenza vaccine is effective, immunogenicity studies are performed. These studies look at how well the immune response is provoked in an individual by measuring antibody production (23, 17). Antibodies act as the immune system’s signal and attack system against foreign invaders.

We already know that some groups of individuals produce poor immune responses to standard dose vaccines which is why older age groups have high dose vaccines (24).

In the video below, Dr. Mark Geier explains why the flu vaccine is an “experiment on our lives and our children” (31). In summary, he explains the flu vaccine has not been tested for safety and efficacy for the following reasons:

1. Double blinded field trials are not and cannot be performed on unknown and future circulating viruses.
2. Strains for next year’s influenza vaccine are a guess.
3. Antibody production in a group of people does not predict if a vaccine works.
4. Short term evaluation studies are not sufficient timeframes for adequate analysis.
5. The safety of repetitive influenza vaccination beginning when a fetus through old age cannot be performed and therefore cannot be deemed safe or effective.

Diminishing Effectiveness:

A 2015 study finds that individuals who received a flu shot in previous years have a decrease in effectiveness. Another unknown fact is that the measurement of vaccine effectiveness, in this study 43% for the 2015 influenza season, is only the measure of effectiveness in people who did not receive the previous year’s flu shots. (25)

This diminishing effect of vaccine effectiveness is comparable to findings in other studies as well. A study of 328 families totalling 1441 household members found that individuals vaccinated 2 previous years in a row had a -45% (negative) vaccine effectiveness. This study also found that 82% of adults who contracted the flu were vaccinated. (26)

Increased Susceptibility to Pandemic Influenza:

It seems like every year we are warned of a threatening flu pandemic as if fear alone is convincing enough to get a flu shot. In the event of such an occurrence, who may have greater protection–the vaccinated or unvaccinated?

Animal models compared immunity induced by natural infection (unvaccinated) to vaccinated. The unvaccinated survived when infected with a virulent pandemic influenza virus. The vaccinated had more severe disease and died from exposure to the same strains. (27)

Epidemiologic studies, which analyze data reported in human populations, provide evidence that annual flu vaccination increases the risk of contracting a severe influenza virus and requiring medical attention. (28)

For more information on scientific literature and flu vaccinations read Miller’s Review of Critical Vaccine Studies.

2019 VAERS Reporting Data:

A database called The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is government funded and documents reported vaccine injuries and deaths. The challenge is that the system is underreported and is believed to account for less than 1% of vaccine related injuries and deaths! (29)

A September 2019 report by the Department of Justice shows that 65 out of 87 settlements were paid out due to damages associated with injury or death from the flu vaccine. This number only reflects petitioners who received an award of compensation. 

Injuries include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
• Transverse myelitis
• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
• Bell’s palsy
• SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration)
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

The report indicates that the most frequent flu related complication is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (30). You have to decide if the risk of contracting the flu this season is more serious than increasing your risk for GBS, other injuries, or even death (38). Remember, most people recover from influenza, develop immunity to the same or related strain, and do so without complication (37).

Natural Infection and Immunity:

Immunity and vaccination are improperly confused to be one of the same. Immunity can only be achieved one way: naturally. 

The thought process behind the use of adjuvants in vaccines assumes that an antibody response to a pathogen adequately measures immunity. This is not true. Natural immunity, not vaccine-induced “immunity”, requires human contact with the pathogen, such as through repetitive exposure, or the contraction and recovery of an infection with the presence of a fever. 

In the case of influenza, cross-protection occurs when a natural infection provides protection against other influenza stains including those that are more virulent (10). Vaccination does not provide this cross protection.

Natural, Safe, and Effective Ways to Defend Against the Flu:

Some of the side effects associated with the flu shot are no different than naturally getting sick from the influenza virus. To best prevent and treat the flu this year, consider the following natural and truly safe and effective ways to boost your immune defenses.

1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that is low in sugar and refined vegetable oils and is full of high quality produce, organic and pasture-raised animal products, and healthy fats like avocados, olives and olive oil, and grass-fed butter.
2. Prioritize sleep and keep stress under control.  Don’t eat late at night and try to get to bed by 10 PM and sleep 7-9 hours each night.  Keep your room dark and cool (65-70 degrees) and use an eye mask to block out any ambient light in the room so you can increase your melatonin levels and sleep deeper.
3. Get adequate amounts of vitamins D3, A, and C.
   Examples: Pasture raised eggs, grass-fed butter, wild caught salmon, bell peppers, lemons, and limes. 
4. Consider a colloidal silver spray. Influenza viruses replicate in the respiratory system including the nose and the lining of the larynx. Spritz a spray or two in the back of your mouth when symptoms arise, such as a scratchy throat or a stuffy nose.
5. Boost glutathione levels. This powerhouse antioxidant prevents oxidative damage and plays an important role in immune function.
   Examples: Avocados and green tea.
6. Don’t forget the benefits of simple and healthy habits. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of influenza.
7. Get some sun! The influenza virus circulates year round. Fall and winter bring less time outdoors but your body relies on sunlight year round for physical and mental health. 

Summary:

Is there a link between vaccinations and cancer, autoimmune conditions, and poor health? The vaccine manufacturers are not committing to long term research studies. (31) The FDA is approving the use of carcinogenic agents and pathogens for use in vaccines oftentimes with only post-marketing surveillance recommendations.

A law passed in 1986 removed liability from vaccine manufacturers giving them immunity from any lawsuit due to injury or death resulting from vaccines (32). Pharmaceutical companies accumulate bit profit margins, beat out other leading profit industries such as gas and oil companies, and spend record amounts of funds on lobbying (33, 40).

Legislation for forced vaccination mandates are already occurring and more are on the horizon. It is essential to your health, the health of future generations, and your fundamental rights as a US citizen to become educated in the discussion of vaccines. Research, ask the hard questions, be brave, and have a conversation with your trusted doctor before you get a flu shot (39).

If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out—our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.

Sources For This Article Include:

1. Fluarix Qudrivalent Vaccine Insert; Last Revised 07/2019: Link Here

2. CDC: Flu Vaccine With Adjuvant Link Here

3. CDC: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2019-2020 Season Link Here

4. CDC: Influenza Vaccines- United States, 2019-20 influenza season Link Here

5. FDA: Recombivax HB Link Here

6. MEDPAGE TODAY: How To Massage Data to Feel Like a Winner Link Here

7. MEDPAGE TODAY: Want to Know If Someone Is Manipulating Data? Link Here

8. CDC: Adjuvants help vaccines work better. Link Here

9. Bodewes R, Kreijtz JH, Baas C, et al. Vaccination against human influenza A/H3N2 virus prevents the induction of heterosubtypic immunity against lethal infection with avian influenza A/H5N1 virus. PLoS One. 2009;4 (5):e5538. PMCID: 2678248

10. Miles AP and Saul A. Extraction and characterization of vaccine antigens from water-in-oil adjuvant formulations. Methods Mol Biol. 2005; 308: 293-300. PMID: 16082043

11. WHO Global Vaccine Safety: Safety of squalene: Link Here

12. CDC Vaccines & Immunizations: Link Here

13. IOM: Adverse Events Associated with Childhood Vaccines: Evidence Bearing on Causality: Link Here

14. Brauer R, Chen P. Influenza virus propagation in embryonated chicken eggs. J Vis Exp. 2015; (97):52421. Published 2015 Mar 19. PMCID: 4401370

15. Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center: Flu Vaccine: Not Good for Your Child Link Here

16. New American News: The Scary Effects of Stray Viruses Found in Vaccines Link Here

17. CDC: Cell-Based Flu Vaccines: Link Here

18. Manini I, Trombetta CM, Lazzeri G, Pozzi T, Rossi S, Montomoli E. Egg-Independent Influenza Vaccines and Vaccine Candidates. Vaccines (Basel). 2017; 5(3):18. Published 2017 Jul 18. PMCID: 5620549

19. Children’s Health Defense: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting. Link Here

20. Birmingham CL, Dupont D, Riou P, et al. Detection of avian retroviruses in vaccines by amplification on DF-1 cells with immunostaining and fluorescent product-enhanced reverse transcriptase endpoint methods. J Clin Microbiol. 2013; 51(5):1496–1504. PMCID: 3647912

21. The Vaccine Reaction: Is There a Link Between Vaccines and the Rise in Pediatric Cancer? Link Here

22. Paff ML, Jack BR, Smith BL, Bull JJ, and Wike CO. Combinatorial Approaches to Viral Attenuation. American Society for Microbiology. Jul 2018; 3(4). Link Here

23. CDC: Antigenic Characterization. Link Here

24. Cobey S, et al. Poor Immunogenicity, Not Vaccine Strain Egg Adaptation, May Explain the Low H3N2 Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in 2012–2013, Clinical Infectious Diseases. August 2018; 67(3): 327–333. Link Here

25. Murray T. Repeated flu shots may blunt effectiveness. CMAJ. 2015;187(6):E180. PMCID: 4387051

26. Ohmit SE, Petrie JG, Malosh RE, et al. Influenza vaccine effectiveness in the community and the household. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;56(10):1363–1369. PMCID: 3693492

27. Bodewes R, Kreijtz JH, Baas C, et al. Vaccination against human influenza A/H3N2 virus prevents the induction of heterosubtypic immunity against lethal infection with avian influenza A/H5N1 virus. PLoS One. 2009;4(5):e5538. PMCID: 2678248

28. Skowronski DM, De Serres G, Crowcroft NS, et al. Association between the 2008-09 seasonal influenza vaccine and pandemic H1N1 illness during Spring-Summer 2009: four observational studies from Canada. PLoS Med. 2010;7(4):e1000258. Published 2010 Apr 6. PMCID: 2850386

29. Vaxopedia: Are Fewer Than 1% of Vaccine Injuries Reported to VAERS? Link Here

30. Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines: Report from the Department of Justice. Link Here

31. YouTube: Dr. Mark Geier, PhD discusses alarming aspects of the flu vaccine safety, efficacy & mercury Link Here

32. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 Link Here

33. BBC News: Pharmaceutical industry gets high on fat profits Link Here

34. CDC: Influenza (Flu): People 65 Years and Older & Influenza Link Here

35. Military Health System: Package Inserts. Link Here

36. CDC: What’s in Vaccines? Link Here

37. National Vaccine Information Center: Influenza Disease & Vaccine Information Link Here

38. Black S, Eskola J, Siegrist CA, et al. Importance of background rates of disease in assessment of vaccine safety during mass immunisation with pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccines. Lancet. 2010 Jan; 375(9712):376.  2009; 374(9707): 2115–2122. PMCID: 2861912

39. Children’s Health Defense: HighWire: The Brave Ones Video and Transcript. Link Here

40. CNN: Big Pharma spends record millions on lobbying amid pressure to lower drug prices. Link Here