This years flu shot is a world first. It is a combination shot of the seasonal and swine flu strains. The flu season is almost over in Australia where these new vaccines have been given to patients. One version of the flu shot called Fluvax has been linked to convulsions in one in 100 children within 24 hours after receiving the shot. It has also been linked to fevers, vomiting, coma, and possibly death in one case.

Earlier this year, Australia banned all flu vaccinations in children under 5. They have since kept the ban on only the Fluvax versions (which include a generic version) of the vaccine. Europe has followed suit and banned Fluvax (Sold by Pfitzer as Envira) on children under 5, while the the U.S. has banned it for children under 9 years of age.

It is unknown at this time if it is the flu virus fragments, preservatives, or antibiotics found in the vaccine that are causing the side effects.

In 1976, a swine flu vaccine cause the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome in over 500 people and where 25 people died.

Last year I wrote that the swine flu threat was greatly overblown and did not recommend vaccination. It turned out to be even milder flu season than even I had thought.

One of the reasons I believe that the flu season was so mild was because of an increase awareness that Vitamin D plays in our immune system.

This year I will also not be recommending the flu vaccine to my patients, however, if you do decide to get one, stay away from this version. Also, do not take aspirin at the same time. It may increase the chance of side effects. If you have any side effects such as vomiting, fever, or malaise, let me and your other doctors know.

References:

Europe, US ban CSL kids’ flu shot: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/industry-sectors/europe-us-ban-csl-kids-flu-shot/story-e6frg97f-1225907050340 ^[1]

Toddler Ashley Jade Epapara, 2, dies after flu vaccination: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/toddler-ashley-jade-epapara-2-dies-after-flu-vaccination/story-e6freon6-1225857803417 ^[2]

Swine Flu Vaccine of 1976- More Harm than Good?: http://healthandsurvival.com/2009/04/26/swine-flu-vaccine-of-1976-more-harm-than-good/ ^[3]

Australia bans flu vaccines in children: http://www.naturalnews.com/029586_Australia_vaccines.htm ^[4]

Flu jab linked to fits in under fives: officials: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7918351/Flu-jab-linked-to-fits-in-under-fives-officials.html ^[5]

Vitamin D and Immunity: https://spinalalignment.com/?p=212 ^[6]

Topic of the week: Swine Flu: https://spinalalignment.com/?p=175 ^[7]