Maybe All I Need is a Shot in the Arm

A lot of people have some misconceptions about vaccinations.

I spent quite some time researching this stuff and hope to provide you all with factual, and helpful information.

On Influenza Vaccinations

Deaths from influenza vaccines are incredibly rare (less than 1%), and are the result of an allergic reaction—usually, from residual egg protein, left over from the making of the vaccination. This is why people with egg allergies are encouraged to talk to a physician before receiving this vaccine.

Research shows that people infected with HIV are not negatively impacted by the virus used in the influenza vaccination.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a very rare (10-20 out of 1 million vaccine recipients) incidence occuring after receiving the influenza vaccine. It occurred more often in 1976, when a swine influenza vaccine was being distributed. However, several studies have been done with vaccines being used since 1976. Only one study has showed any association at all. The 10-20/ 1 million statistic comes from the one study showing an association. (Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2007)

The injection form of the influenza vaccination cannot give you the flu. It is made with a dead virus. FluMist is a nasal spray form of the vaccination and has a weakened virus in it. While chances are very low that you will acquire the flu from this vaccine, you should not take it in this form if your immune system is not that great. (CDC Flu Shot Info)

Between September 30th, 2007, and February 9th, 2008 (most recent influenza season), influenza and/or pneumonia was an underlying or contributing cause of 7.8% of all deaths reported by the 122 cities mortality reporting system. (A CDC report on influenza activity)

Please visit the Center for Disease Control’s Flu Shot Information Page for more information about the vaccine, who is especially at risk for the flu, etc.

On Mercury in Vaccinations

The Center for Disease Control has a very informational page regarding the preservative, "Thimerosal," used in vaccines right here.

I’ll go over some of it, but if it really piques your curiosity, you should read the entire site yourself, along with this statement regarding Thimerosal and autism.

First, Thimerosal has not been used in any recommended childhood vaccines, aside from some influenza vaccines (which are not given to children under 6 months old), since 2001. Those influenza vaccines use only trace amounts--less than 1 part per million. I repeat, protecting your child against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza will not cause autism.

Thimerosal is a preservative that keeps vaccines from being contaminated after the vial is opened.

The FDA started looking at mercury levels in vaccines in 1997. Thimerosal was removed from vaccines starting in 1999, even though the amount of mercury in them did not exceed the intake guidelines set by the FDA, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the World Health Organization. The FDA’s review of the preservative found no evidence that it caused harm. It was removed from vaccines as a precautionary measure by Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers.

There is no convincing scientific evidence that suggests the Thimerosal used in vaccines causes harm to children, including autism and any other behavior disorder.

“Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines do not and never did contain thimerosal. Varicella (chickenpox), inactivated polio (IPV), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have also never contained thimerosal.”

On Additives in Vaccines--Straight from the Center for Disease Control

Why are chemicals added to vaccines?

Many foods and medicines, including vaccines, have chemicals added to them to prevent the growth of germs, reduce spoilage, and prevent them from losing potency over time. Some additives are used in the production of vaccines. Vaccines may include suspending fluid (e.g., sterile water, saline, or fluids containing protein); preservatives and stabilizers (e.g., albumin, phenols, and glycine); and adjuvants, or enhancers, that help the vaccine improve its immunogenicity (ability to protect against disease). For more information, visit the Additives in Vaccines Fact Sheet.

How can I find out what additives are in vaccines?

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a copy of the vaccine package insert. It lists ingredients in the vaccine and discusses any known adverse reactions.

I hope I have left someone more informed than before.

Comments, ratings, and feedback are always appreciated! :-)