Naturopaths worry about flu shots for young children

[Guest guest]

WebPosted Oct 21 2004 08:51 AM PDT

 

 

VANCOUVER - Some naturopathic physicians in B.C. are concerned about the

push to get younger children vaccinated against influenza.

 

 

INDEPTH: Flu Vaccination

This is the first year the shot is being offered free to healthy children

from six months to 23 months of age.

The former head of the Naturopathic College of B.C. says that the province's

decision to offer a flu shot containing less mercury to pregnant women,

infants and toddlers – while still insisting the regular flu shot is safe –

is sending a mixed message.

Dr. Brian Martin says it may make parents wonder if any amount of mercury in

vaccinations are safe.

He says there's not enough long term evidence to convince him, and many

other naturopathic doctors, that they are.

" I don't think we have enough long term studies on immunization overall to

really make a safe judgement that you should go ahead and do that. "

LINK: The Flu

Public health officials in B.C. insist flu shots are not only safe, but an

important way of staying healthy this flu season.

http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/bc_vaccine20041021.html

 

 

[Guest guest]

So who here takes the flu shot and who doesn't? Opposed or for it? I've gotten

them about the past 5 years - never before. So I think to myself - well I made

it 30 years w/o one, maybe I should just forget it from now on?

-

HAH

Thursday, October 21, 2004 3:47 PM

Naturopaths worry about flu shots for

young children

 

 

 

WebPosted Oct 21 2004 08:51 AM PDT

 

 

VANCOUVER - Some naturopathic physicians in B.C. are concerned about the

push to get younger children vaccinated against influenza.

 

 

INDEPTH: Flu Vaccination

This is the first year the shot is being offered free to healthy children

from six months to 23 months of age.

The former head of the Naturopathic College of B.C. says that the province's

decision to offer a flu shot containing less mercury to pregnant women,

infants and toddlers - while still insisting the regular flu shot is safe -

is sending a mixed message.

Dr. Brian Martin says it may make parents wonder if any amount of mercury in

vaccinations are safe.

He says there's not enough long term evidence to convince him, and many

other naturopathic doctors, that they are.

" I don't think we have enough long term studies on immunization overall to

really make a safe judgement that you should go ahead and do that. "

LINK: The Flu

Public health officials in B.C. insist flu shots are not only safe, but an

important way of staying healthy this flu season.

http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/bc_vaccine20041021.html