The signs and banners seem to be everywhere I go.   Hanging outside drugstores and grocery stores, they scream “Flu shots available, no appointment needed”,  and quote a price of $20 or $25 bucks.  I started wondering, are flu shots really effective?

Recently, scientists from the University of Minnesota, did an analysis of 31 studies, to determine the effectiveness of the most commonly used flu vaccine in America.  It’s called the Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV), and it accounts for approximately 90% of all flu shots in America.

The review was published in the journal, The Lancet.  It’s most surprising finding was that for people ages 18 – 65 years, flu shots are only 59% effective in actually preventing flu.   You can check out the full article on the huffingtonpost .com, at this link.

Contrary to what the marketers tell us, this is a poor performance.  Are we being sold a vaccination that is only marginally effective?

Dr. Joseph Mercola wrote an interesting article on his site entitled “Flu Vaccine Exposed”, about 2 years ago.  He apparently based on his review of a video produced by the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute, of the same title.  The video look at how flu vaccines are made, what studies say about their effectiveness, and some the the potentially hazardous ingredients found in flu shots.  Basically, the group found that studies showed flu shots to be ineffective and unsafe.

One of the most interesting observations in his article stated:

“Remember that the potential effectiveness of a flu vaccine is dependent on the assumption, made nearly a year in advance, that Asia’s viral strains will be the ones hitting the U.S.  When they guess wrong, the vaccine is worthless from the start.”

Do you remember the Avian flu and the Swine flu?

Dr. Mercola goes further by stating:

“…I think it says a lot that 70% of doctors and nurses, and 62% of other health care workers do NOT get the yearly flu shot.”

Dr. Mercola believes that flu could be an idication of vitamin D deficiency.  He presents findings from five studies, which appear to give plausibility to his theory.

How can you protect yourself against the flu without getting a flu shot?  Dr. Mercola recommends the following actions:

• Take a vitamin D3 supplement;
• Get plenty of exercise;
• Minimize the stress in your life;
• Proper diet;
• Make sure to get adequate sleep; and
• Be sure to wash your hands regularly.

Be sure to check out the video and Dr. Mercola’s entire article at this link.

For information regarding the 2011 – 2012Flu Season guidelines from the CDC, including high risk groups, at this link.

The Bottom Line:  You’ll have to reach your own decision about getting a flu shot.  I suggest you start by asking your own doctor, if she has gotten her own flu shot.  If you decide to get a flu shot, you might also want to consider Dr. Mercola’s suggestions.  I mean, a little extra vitamin D3 and some extra hand washing probably will not hurt you.  Your immune system is your ultimite protector against the flu.  Perhaps now is a good time to build up your immune system?

Choose your action carefully.

It’s your life, live well.

Photo:  Piyaphantawong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net