Panicked sales pitches for flu shots are at an all time high (and an outrageous low)

Prevent — don’t panic

This is a rough flu season. No question about it.

If you’ve followed the reports, health officials might seem like they’re in panic mode.

They’re not.

They’re actually in high gear sales pitch mode. And how low do you think they’ll go to sell the shot to every last person in the U.S.?

They’re aiming for an all time low.

No child left unvaccinated

Flu vaccine is grown in chicken eggs. That’s why, for YEARS, the CDC has recommended that people with egg allergies not get the shot.

But not this year. This year, the CDC tells us there’s “a more permissive” recommendation.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), allergists have decided that the shot is safe. And that includes children with a history of a severe allergic reaction to eggs.

Sure! That makes PERFECT sense. Before it wasn’t safe. Now it’s fine.

But they are showing a LITTLE caution. Here’s how The New York Times puts it (apparently with a straight face)… “Even children who have gone into anaphylactic shock from eating eggs should get flu shots, but from an allergist trained to handle emergencies.”

That is INSANE!

In anaphylactic shock, a patient often loses consciousness. His tongue swells. His skin turns blue. His blood pressure drops. Emergency treatment is needed to prevent heart failure and death.

For a flu shot!? For a child!? Unbelievable!

Of course, the ACAAI plays right along with the CDC script. A spokesman says, “The benefits of the flu vaccination far outweigh the risks.”

Even risk of anaphylactic shock? That’s beyond reckless!

As for the benefits — no. That’s pure fiction.

As I mention every flu season, there is NO evidence that the flu shot works. Researchers believe that it should work. In theory. But an exhaustive review of all the research turned up no proof at all. None.

But when you’re committed to selling flu shots, you can’t let science or reason get in the way. So everyone roll up your sleeves. Yes, even the kids with severe egg allergies. Just be sure to have EMS standing by.

It’s preposterous.

All those kids, and their parents, and everyone else, should be taking vitamin D to prevent flu. That method IS backed up by research. After that, the best preventive is diligent hand washing.

No ambulance service required.

Sources:
“Doctors Recommend Flu Shot for Children With Egg Allergies” Donald G. McNeil, Jr., New York Times, 1/11/13, nytimes.com

“Children Once in Danger of Flu Shot can get Vaccinated” American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 1/11/13, acaai.org