Flu Season is Coming: Time NOT to Get A Flu Shot

. . . health workers refuse them! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) although flu season usually peaks in January and February, it can start as early as October. Also according to the CDC, it is never too early to get an annual flu shot. However, a CDC survey found that only about 63% of doctors, nurses and other clinicians choose to get them. I remember back in 2009 the number of health workers getting flu shots was less than half. Maybe the percentage has risen because many hospitals have coerced their personnel into getting flu shots with a mandatory vaccination policy: get a shot or wear a surgical mask whenever you are in contact with a patient. Whereas this has been successful in forcing some health workers to get the shots, in some cases it has led to protests. One such grievance is pending before the National Labor Relations Board. The fact is many health workers know that flu shots are both ineffective and dangerous and don't want them. For more on vaccinations, see my article on Vaccinations.    To build your immunity, get your vitamin D levels measured with the 25(OH)D test regularly and make sure you maintain "high-normal" levels. (Call our office at 1-800-250-3063 should you have any questions.) Then take care of your health in general, including getting adequate amounts of vitamin C (see below) and eating a primarily alkaline diet, and you should not get a cold or the flu. Isger S. Many health-care workers shun flu shots. The Palm Beach Post. Online, October 8, 2011.