The pneumonia vaccine is NOT the lifesaver your doctor might make it out to be

Warning: This “other” vaccine is NOT the lifesaver they make it out to be

It’s amazing that any of our ancestors lived a day. I mean, without all these critical vaccines to save their very lives, well…it’s astonishing that any of us are even here at all.

Because to hear the CDC tell it, there’s no way you can survive without these shots.

But it must be the new math because something is NOT adding up.

So before you roll up your sleeve for the pneumonia vaccine, let me share a few numbers they do NOT want you to see…

Let’s get real

Everyone was relieved when Barbara Bush headed home from the hospital after a bout of pneumonia.

But as soon as it was clear that the former First Lady was out of the woods, the media couldn’t resist a few parting shots to sell some vaccines.

And while they didn’t miss a note alarming you on the need for the shot, they did miss quite a few important details.

Like this:

Three years ago, researchers found that half of all elderly people who are hospitalized for pneumonia either die or are hospitalized again with pneumonia within five years. And that rate of hospitalizations was no different in people who had gotten the pneumonia shot.

But this one is the real slammer…

In another study, researchers looked at more than 20 trials that pitted the pneumonia vaccine vs. no vaccine.

Their finding: “Pneumococcal vaccination does not appear to be effective in preventing pneumonia, even in populations for whom the vaccine is currently recommended.”

The shots don’t work! Simple as that.

So why deal with another needle, another bill and possible side effects when 20 studies show it’s worthless?

Now here’s something really crazy. You know what’s more likely to work: A visit to your dentist.

Two different studies have linked reduced pneumonia risk to good oral hygiene and regular cleanings by your dentist.

I know. I did a double-take there too. But when excess bacteria builds up on your gum line, it also collects in the throat. And that’s like lighting the fuse for pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Sources:
“Pneumonia vaccine ineffective against repeat infections: study” Tom Blackwell, National Post, 6/6/10, nationalpost.com

“Efficacy of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults” Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol. 180, No. 1, cmaj.ca