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No Flu Shot This Year
There are some people who are actually afraid of vaccines because they think they are too risky. I just assume that these people have no experience with the diseases that these vaccines are preventing because really, getting vaccines is basically a no-brainer if there's any way you can afford it.
Fortunately, when most people are vaccinated for a disease, this provides some protection to others as well, just because there are that many fewer folks around who they could catch it from.
So I was asking a co-worker if she was going off to get her flu shot and she said no because the vaccines are preserved with mercury. I said no way. Even if they used to be, surely not anymore. She told a long story that sounded convincing, but then I have caught her spreading an urban myth before, so I did some research. I really don't want to be falling for this kind of crap.
But it turns out to be true. The compound they use now is less toxic than the other one they used to use. It's a tiny amount, the amount you would get from a half a can of white tuna. It causes allergic-type reactions at the vaccination site for some people. It may or may not contribute to the build up of mercury in the system enough to increase one's risk for scary neurological disorders. It's no longer used for any vaccinations except for the influenza ones, and there are even some no-mercury-added vaccines available (though not at my workplace, I assume). The government has recommended but not required that a different preservative be used.
I don't want to support any company that won't make the switch.
Normally I'm on the fence about getting the vaccine anyway. Basically, catching the flu would be easier on me than on most people. I am young and healthy, have a lot of sick leave, and have the kind of job where they can spare me for a week if necessary. I have a warm bed, working refrigerator, etc. So normally I only get the vaccine in years when there is enough available for everyone who wants it. This year is one of those years. But I've decided to blow it off this year.
The worst thing is that this is fuel for those anti-immunization people.
Fortunately, when most people are vaccinated for a disease, this provides some protection to others as well, just because there are that many fewer folks around who they could catch it from.
So I was asking a co-worker if she was going off to get her flu shot and she said no because the vaccines are preserved with mercury. I said no way. Even if they used to be, surely not anymore. She told a long story that sounded convincing, but then I have caught her spreading an urban myth before, so I did some research. I really don't want to be falling for this kind of crap.
But it turns out to be true. The compound they use now is less toxic than the other one they used to use. It's a tiny amount, the amount you would get from a half a can of white tuna. It causes allergic-type reactions at the vaccination site for some people. It may or may not contribute to the build up of mercury in the system enough to increase one's risk for scary neurological disorders. It's no longer used for any vaccinations except for the influenza ones, and there are even some no-mercury-added vaccines available (though not at my workplace, I assume). The government has recommended but not required that a different preservative be used.
I don't want to support any company that won't make the switch.
Normally I'm on the fence about getting the vaccine anyway. Basically, catching the flu would be easier on me than on most people. I am young and healthy, have a lot of sick leave, and have the kind of job where they can spare me for a week if necessary. I have a warm bed, working refrigerator, etc. So normally I only get the vaccine in years when there is enough available for everyone who wants it. This year is one of those years. But I've decided to blow it off this year.
The worst thing is that this is fuel for those anti-immunization people.
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