I have recently heard Dr. Brendan Hanley, Yukon’s chief medical officer of health, on the radio encouraging everyone, young and old, to be vaccinated for the flu shot. This year they are combining three different strains in the one shot, and even though most people are not adversely affected by the flu (after all, we’ve all had it through the years and this has only helped strengthen our immune systems) he is still recommending it for everyone.
I am aware what the rationale is, that if everyone has the shot, and no one gets sick, then the elderly and the very young, who possibly could be adversely affected, will be spared having to deal with it.
However, no one in the medical establishment ever mentions the ‘flip side,’ which is that if we, as a society, deprive our bodies and immune systems of the opportunity to recognize and resist these viruses on their own, we are seriously weakening our ability to resist disease.
Also, the buffering agents that are used in the vaccines (squalene, thermerisol, etc.) have unknown consequences on a certain percentage of the population - in some cases dire consequences.
I strongly recommend that you look into this issue with an open mind, considering both sides of this debate, for indeed, it is a debate. If you look into what other nations are doing, you might be surprised to learn that not all of them, particularly in Europe, New Zealand and Australia, are accepting ‘hook, line and sinker’ what the pharmaceutical companies are advocating. Science is actually quite divided on the efficacy and necessity of wholesale flu vaccinations.
What is best for Yukoners? You are in a position to have some influence on this question, which is a responsibility I’m sure you do not take lightly.
Barbara Drury
Whitehorse