Vaccine Debate: One Flu Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?

Letter to Ephesians: Raised during the Polio crisis & March of Dimes crusade, I am a BIG supporter of most history-altering vaccines. But this is 2025. Does the explosion of vaccines since, incl those for flu, always track folks’ health as much as pharma’s pocket book?

Believe me, I am still so glad so many kids, including myself, didn’t turn out to be “Jerry’s Kids” who came down with the nightmare polio virus thanks to the Salk & Sabin (oral) polio vaccines created in the 50s & 60s. Yet, the controversy over Secretary RFK, Jr.’s vaccine stance aside, there’s plenty of scientific evidence now that not every vaccine on the market today is as effective as wished. Even the staunchest vaccine advocate worth his or her salt would agree.

Take the flu vaccine. It’s never been claimed to be much more than 50% effective as a preventative & depends a lot on the variables like age & existing medical conditions. So, as the fall & flu season is approaching, here’s an insight that’s timely & worth sharing because it comes from a highly respected immunologist. It’s certainly worth listening to after he was asked his opinion & whether HE would get the flu shot this year: “No, not this year. [I] feel it’s not effective & that it’s a pharmaceutical ploy to sell more shots. It should be taken by people who are immunocompromised … have lung problems … or have existing medical conditions. But, if you’re in good health [as I am] and especially if you are not in large groups for a long period of time, there’s no [compelling] reason to get the flu shot.” Again, of course, the advice could/would change depending upon circumstances, like for school kids or public service workers or elders. A candid talk with your doctor is always smart if not essential.

Davd Soul