Influenza Vaccine: Review of effectiveness of the US immunization program, and policy considerations.

Author: Geier DA, King PG, Geier MR.

Source: Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons

Year: 2006

Comment:

The researchers conclude, "Vaccine recipients need to be informed of the limitations and risks of the vaccine and of the alternatives to vaccination. In particular, they need to know of the possibility that repeated vaccinations may increase the risk of adverse effects."  In the study, they also note, "Another problem with annual influenza vaccinations is that a large proportion of available vaccines currently contain 25 µg of mercury from thimerosal per 0.5 mL dose."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“A number of studies have reported that influenza vaccine (IV) administration has been less than optimally effective in certain subpopulations. This study examines yearly influenza death rate, yearly influenza case rate, and yearly rate of hospitalizations with influenza as the first-listed discharge diagnosis. By these measures, the yearly U.S. mass influenza vaccination campaign has been ineffective in preventing influenza in vaccine recipients. The use of antiviral drugs to treat influenza, in light of the potential for an influenza pandemic, needs further consideration.”

Citation:

Geier DA, King PG, Geier MR. Influenza Vaccine: Review of effectiveness of the US immunization program, and policy considerations. Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. 2006; 11(3): 69.