Influenza Vaccination: To Get or Not To Get?

The epidemic reported here

Influenza Outbreak in a Vaccinated Population — USS Ardent, February 2014

Weekly

October 24, 2014 / 63(42);947-949

and detailed in the link below

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6342a3.htm?s_cid=mm6342a3_w

calls into question the value of routine Influenza Vaccination.  Currently the “CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.”  And, they further state that there are “documented benefits from flu vaccination, including reductions in flu illnesses, related doctors’ visits and missed work or school. Vaccination also prevents flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.”

There is no question that influenza vaccination benefits high risk patients, but the decision to get or not to get vaccinated should be a personalized decision made by each patient in consultation with his or her personal physician.  Mandatory Influenza Vaccination is a misguided practice and should be abandoned until the effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination is significantly inproved.

Just my opinion.

Have a sweet day.  Lead with your heart, drive with your brain and Join us at Veritas Health Care.

Your health depends on it.

Dr. Mike

Michael F. Mascia, MD, MPH