Wednesday Dec 10, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Flu shots are officially recognized as ineffective although CDC officials claimed that even if the drug does not prevent flu, it can relieve its symptoms.

But the problem with flu shots may not be just its ineffectiveness.   Officials would tell you that no evidence suggests that flu vaccine is harmful. But there is something you might be interested in knowing.

Two-thirds of the flu vaccines made for the 2008–09 flu season contain thimerosal, which is 49% mercury by weight, according to Dr. Donald Miller, a cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington.

Mercury is a neurotoxin, with a toxicity level 1,000 times that of lead, Dr. Mercola said on his website.   Each flu shot contains 25 micrograms of mercury, or 50,000 parts per billion -- a level that is 250 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety limit.

Dr. Mercola cited Dr. Miller as pointing out that the other substances in flu shots, all of which are known to be harmful to health, particularly for children, cited in verbatim:

• Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent is used to inactivate the virus.

• Aluminum, added to promote an antibody response, is a neurotoxin that may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.

• Triton X-100 (a detergent)

• Polysorbate 80

• Carbolic acid

• Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

• Gelatin

• Various antibiotics such as neomycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin that can cause allergic reactions

Those who are worried about the safety and efficacy of flu vaccine might consider taking high doses of vitamin D to prevent or even treat flu.  

Dr. John Cannell, founder of Vitamin D Council and his colleagues published an excellent review in the Feb 25, 2008 issue of Virology Journal to propose a theory suggesting that flu is caused by lack of vitamin D.   The theory perfectly explains why flu occurs in the winter, but not in the summer.