Flu vaccines also don’t cause Alzheimer’s disease. At one time, it was thought that vaccines contained aluminum and that caused Alzheimer’s. But there is no aluminum in the flu shot. And about those rumors about Alzheimer’s disease? Untrue. In fact, those seniors who received the flu, polio, tetanus and diphtheria vaccines had half the risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Since seniors are a high-risk group for flu complications and death, they should get vaccinated every year, specifically with a high-dose shot because of the greater protection afforded to them. It is thought that because of the aging process, immunity doesn’t last as long in seniors than in other groups. So a stronger dose is prescribed.
Another excuse for avoiding a seasonal flu shot is an egg allergy. Way back in time, there were only a few ways to create vaccines, and the most efficient way was by using eggs in the process. Nowadays, there are two available vaccines that are made without the use of eggs. One is a recombinant, which means pieces of one organism or DNA is combined with pieces from other organisms or DNA source to create the vaccine. The other is cell-culture based. Those who do not have severe egg allergies can get the regular shot. And there are other alternatives -- for those who are allergic to thimerosal, there is a vaccine without preservatives, and antibiotic-free vaccines are available. There is a chance of shock at the presence of gelatin in the vaccination, but this is extremely rare. If there is any chance of anaphylactic shock at all from the vaccine, it is prudent to get it at your allergist’s office.
So there you go -- a short list of myths and rumors about the flu vaccine. Remember, flu shots are safer than having the flu, and most of those myths you’ve heard about flu shots are just that -- myths.