The Flu Vaccine: An Alternate View

At this time of year, it is difficult to go far without being bombarded by government and pharmacies telling us that we must all receive a flu vaccine.

My wife and I were approached by a pleasant woman employee as we were walking through the aisles at a Rite-Aid store recently. She asked, "Have you gotten your flu shots?"

Rarely do we hear the voices of those who question this directive.

I used to believe that the flu vaccine was critical and I faithfully received the injection. I have come to take a different view, in large part due to the influence of Dr. James Winer, local natural healing expert. (www.drjameswiner.com). Dr. Winer is proof positive of the value of his natural approach and eschewing of the medical model, which largely relies on dangerous drugs to treat symptoms rather than to cure maladies. He is 65 years of age, looks much younger, is in superb health, and takes no medications, only daily vitamins and supplements. He has a huge following and thousands of testimonials from those he has helped in more than 40 years in practice.

Dr. Winer appears on radio with 35 1/2 hours per week of call-in shows, including a weekly program on KDKA Radio AM Saturdays at 1 p.m. He also appears Saturday mornings on NewsTalk 104.7 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and throughout the week on AM 620 and 770 at various times with many programs recorded for rebroadcast.

Dr. Winer offers something that is unique in the United States. About five times per year, he opens his doors for "Winer Wellness Week," in which free classes, samples of nutritional supplements, and complimentary vegan/vegetarian/wheat-free/dairy-free food are offered to the public throughout the week. One can stay at the clinic throughout the day and eat to one's heart's content with no pressure to purchase anything, but for those who wish to purchase vitamins and/or dietary supplements, the products Dr. Winer offers for sale are discounted by 20 to 50 percent for these special weeks.

Dr. Winer regularly inveighs that vaccines are not only dangerous, but that they do not work, and he offers documentation of his claims without cost to anyone who contacts his office. He asserts that various vaccines contain combinations of the following ingredients: antifreeze, nail polish remover, mercury and aborted human fetal tissue. He wonders how the Catholic Church cannot be expressing outrage over vaccines, given the fetal tissue component.

If vaccines are safe, as their pushers would claim them to be, why was it necessary for vaccine makers to receive inoculation (pun intended) from lawsuits by those who are harmed by them, and why did Congress grant such an odd exemption?  If we are injecting fluid into our veins, why are we not told precisely what is in the injection?  Has anyone ever been dispensed a vaccine along with a list of its ingredients?  It is rather mysterious, is it not?

Legendary journalist extraordinaire Robert Novak uttered the immortal words, "Always love your country, but never trust your government": a sage and sensible directive.

Question Dr. Winer's conclusions on vaccines if you will, and I accept everything he says only with a grain of salt, but there is much in his repertoire of advice that makes perfect sense, the need to enjoy a good and nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, the need for vitamins and supplements to replace nutritious value in our food that has been lost over the years, and the avoidance of meat and excessive amounts of fat, sugar, salt, and dairy products.

Whether or not one forgoes the annual flu vaccine, I am confident that anyone who listens to Dr. Winer's programs throughout the week can will pick up many tips for better, healthier living.