by Julian Klazinga

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

With current concerns such as the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the "swine flu" as well as it being flu season the subject of flu shots is a buzz in the media now. I believe that they can be a mixed blessing and unfortunately there is no maybe tab for this debate. Flu shots can be rather effective for those with underdeveloped immune systems or weak immune systems, in other words, those more susceptible to get the flu in the first place. These categories mainly being the elderly and children. When I was younger I got the flu shots on a time frame which was dictated mandatory by my schools; and once a actually got pretty sick. Since then I haven't but plan on it when I'm a senior with a much weaker immune system. Flu shots like almost everything have pros and cons which I will go into greater detail in the follow order:

1. A Brief History of Flu Shots

2.Cons of Flu Shots

3. Benefits of Flu Shots

A need for influenza vaccines has been apparent as early as the 1500's but has been around since the early 1900's. One of the first vaccines was for The "Spanish Flu", where viral growth in hens' eggs was discovered which led to an early form of a vaccine. Unfortunately approximately 30 million people died before any vaccine was established. Since then many other vaccines have been created and administered for more apparent "epidemics" such as Asian Flu, Hong Kong Flu and more recently Swine Flu. How a Flu Shot actually works is (in instances of injection) a dead form of the virus is injected into one's bloodstream where antibodies will fight off the infection just like any other infection, however the since the virus is dead and inactive you do not experience the side effects of the flu- that being the case ONLY if the virus is dead, which leads me to my next point.

Vaccines can lead to Latrogenic (vaccine-induced) diseases. Such diseases are caused by strains of the disease being active within the vaccine. Cases such as these are extremely rare but prevalent. recent studies have even shown that chemicals from the Polio vaccine have been associated with tumors. Objectively, getting sick is extremely rare from vaccination but those with immune conditions are more vulnerable.

Flu Shots help build the immune system making the antibodies which fight infection off stronger; ultimately this builds the immune system up, which as I said before is good for those with underdeveloped or weak immune systems. Although to this affect there is no substantial proof. Although isn't it better to be safe than sorry?

There are benefits as well as detriments to Flu Shots. Anyone considering getting the shot for themselves or children should get informed (as you should for any medication your considering taking), Make your own informed decisions, most people think they absolutely need flu shots in order to be safe, although this makes me consider that mass media has had an effect on them and whats really happening is the placebo effect. Information regarding Flu Shots can be found through this link :

Flu Shot Information

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