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The Flu Vaccine: An Alternate View

Why did flu vaccine makers require exemption from lawsuits, and what ingredients are contained within vaccines—food for thought.

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.

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Becky Brindle (Editor) October 10, 2012 at 05:16 pm
As a new mother, I will be getting a flu vaccine. And I hope many others do to keep my baby and all the others flu-free!!!
Parent #2 October 10, 2012 at 05:32 pm
Becky- have you gotten the pertussis vaccine? That is a very important one also as a new mom. Pertussis (whooping cough) is coming back and is soooo scary for little babies. For many, it is fatal. I wish it was pushed more right now- esp for the tween age kids where they need a booster.
Mary October 10, 2012 at 06:13 pm
I got mine yesterday. With a heath condition the flu can be harmful to me, so I won't risk not getting the flu shot. Children and the elderly should be vaccinated as children carry the flu the most, and the elderly are most susceptible. I will help keep your baby flu free! .
Becky Brindle (Editor) October 10, 2012 at 06:21 pm
@Parent #2 You're right! I got it free at the hospital shortly after delivery.
Bryan October 11, 2012 at 04:38 am
With whooping cough around these areas now, make sure that your relatives who are in close contact with your LO have the TDAP booster as well. As Parent#2 mentioned, it can be a death sentence for babies under a year.
Bryan October 11, 2012 at 04:42 am
Oren, before I jump here, I want to make sure I understand the viewpoint you are trying to convey. There is a HUGE difference between not getting the flu vaccine and the anti-vax crowd who are against ALL vaccines. The former being much more logical than the later.
In fact, until I had my children, I never had a flu vaccine in my life. Now the next stretch to say all vaccines are bad and to push others not to get vaccinated, well those type of statements are outright dangerous for our society.
Oren Spiegler October 11, 2012 at 09:13 am
Thank you, Bryan. I am simply saying that based on the influence of Dr. Winer and other health care professionals, I have elected not to receive the flu vaccine any longer. I would not purport to tell others what to do regarding this vaccine or others. My point is that there is an alternate view, yes, on all vaccines, which is worthy of note, and no one articulates or attempts to buttress it any better than Dr. James Winer.
I would stress the following rhetorical questions: If vaccines are as safe and important to health as many believe, why was did vaccine makers seek a unique exemption from being sued for any harm their vaccines cause? Why did Congress grant such a unique exemption? Should we not be insisting on knowing the ingredients of something we inject into our veins? Why do the vaccine makers not willingly reveal this?
Ed M October 11, 2012 at 10:48 am
Well, Oren, claiming vaccine makers are not willing to reveal the ingredients in the vaccines is just not true. Did you ever read this
http://www.healthscents4u.com/Pages/FluVaccineIngredients.aspx or this http://www.novaccine.com/specific-vaccines/vaccine.asp?v_id=16
John Linko October 11, 2012 at 04:16 pm
I see the basis for your skepticism, Oren, but I'm even more skeptical about your presentation, which mainly consists of a 4-paragraph ad for Dr. Wimer.
You also included a curious characterization of Mr. Novak, who while noted for his lengthy time as a member of the DC media is also responsible for outing Valerie Plame Wilson, whose husband didn't trust the government, said so, and had his wife's CIA operative status exposed in retribution. I have yet to get my flu shot, and likely will not. I am still pretty resistant to most bugs floating around, save for the cold that I am now on the back end of. I think that a lot of the alarmist information out there about vaccines is more hyperbole than fact, but there doubtless have been incidents. In exchange for cheap vaccines, the manufacturers get indemnity. Questionable policy for us, but good business for them.
Oren Spiegler October 11, 2012 at 07:51 pm
Ed M.: Mr. Anonymous, you relish challenging me on virtually every issue, but on this one, your challenge has served to lend support to my view that we should consider the possibility that at least some vaccines are harmful. I believe the listing of ingredients in the flu vaccine as detailed at the websites you note is accurate. If it is accurate, it is also chilling. I would like to know how the supporters of the flu vaccine justify injecting mercury, sucrose (artificial sweetener), chick embryo cells, formaldehyde, monosodium glutamate (MSG), gelatin, latex, dog kidney cells, viruses, hydrocortisone (a steroid hormone), saline solution (salt), and numerous other chemicals into their veins. How many were aware that these ingredients are contained in the vaccine? I suspect the answer is virtually none. Rather than to ask what is in these vaccines, we do what our government, vaccine-pushing physicians, and profit-driven pharmacies pressure us to do, "Get your flu shot!". Most do not know what is in the vaccines nor do they care, but you have enlightened those that are willing to open their eyes, for which we are all in your debt. Thank you for providing the link to revealing information, which I trust should provide a rude, but necessary awakening! Which vaccine maker would like to explain to us how it is that shooting mercury into our veins and those of our children, something we would never considr doing, becomes fine and dandy when it is part of a vaccine?
Oren Spiegler October 11, 2012 at 07:55 pm
John: Yes, I made a strong pitch for individuals to listen to Dr. Winer’s (not Wimer) program, then decide for themselves whether he knows what he is talking about. My connection to him is as a listener and admirer. I have never met him nor been treated at his clinic as a patient. I have attended Winer Wellness Weeks (free of charge) and purchased nutritional supplements that he offers.
You correctly note Robert Novak’s “outing” of CIA operative Plame I was on her side in this matter. Novak was called by many “The Prince of Darkness”, but he was a brilliant man who brought important information to the surface. If a reasonable person considers the ingredients in vaccines, as revealed earlier by Mr. Anonymous, “Ed M.”, they would have to be alarmed. If someone said, “I am going to inject mercury into your veins”, I believe many would threaten to call the police. Why is injecting a poison into us acceptable when it is performed by a medical doctor or vaccinating pharmacist? I believe you are wise to forgo the flu vaccine!
Ed M October 12, 2012 at 11:33 am
Oren,
Your claim that the vaccine makers are not willing to reveal the ingredients is, well, a lie. What I posted might support your claim about them being harmful but that was not my intent. I don't relish challenging you Oren. You just make it so easy with some of your claims.
Tara Smith October 12, 2012 at 11:36 am
I have gotten the flu shot for the past few years, never had a problem at all.
Ed M October 12, 2012 at 05:11 pm
I must have touched a nerve! Oren has reverted to name calling!
"Why is injecting a poison into us acceptable when it is performed by a medical doctor or vaccinating pharmacist?" There ya go again, Oren! Making outrageous claims without really knowing what you are talking about!
Steph Harris October 12, 2012 at 06:29 pm
Like Tara, I've gotten a flu shot for a number of years and will continue to do so. Contracting the flu would be little more than a big inconvenience for me, but I feel it is something I can do to help other people with whom I come in contact with (such a pregnant friends, the elderly and babies...not to mention anyone who is immuno-suppressed due to chemo) to make sure that I don't infect them.
Becky, good for you for keeping you and your baby safe!
Oren Spiegler October 12, 2012 at 08:01 pm
Tara, I am glad you have not suffered complications from the flu vaccine. My story is the same. That, however, does not serve to establish its safety. There are also individuals who have been chain smokers and lived to their 90's. I had elected to receive the vaccine many years in the past and not had any known side effects, however I take with a grain of salt what the government and some health care providers direct me to do. I believe Dr. Winer (www.drjameswiner.com) and the website source provided by an anonymous Patch commenter, which reveal the poisons that are contained in the flu vaccine. I would never dream of injecting mercury and formaldehyde (or chick embryos) into my veins for any other purpose (would you?), and do not plan to do so in the future in order to receive the flu vaccine. By no means is the pro-vaccine position is accepted by all thoughtful individuals and I have stopped believing in it. I believe in avoiding the flu by keeping my immunity high through exercise and consumption of healthful foods, prominently featuring large quantities of fruits and vegetables, and nutritional supplements. If you and others elect to receive the vaccine this year, more power to you, and I wish you well. At the very least, you will make your pharmacy happy and profitable.
Bryan October 12, 2012 at 08:32 pm
Oren,So you basically are saying that you don't trust the doctors and scientists who study, invent and administer the vaccines but one random doctor who spouts off natural cures is the answer? Forget the flu vaccine, let's talk about REAL vaccines here, because many of them contain ethylmercury(which is a lot more scary sounding than you make it out to be. It is not the same as taking your home thermometer and sticking it into your skin) among other ingredients.
Polio, pertussis, Measles, mumps, rubella, Pneumococcal, the list goes on, these vaccines contain all of these 'scary' ingredients you list and I guarantee you, I don't care how many vegetables and nutritional supplements you eat, those diseases can easily kill you and thousands of others. You can't pick and choose and say that you are against the flu vaccine because of the ingredients but not against others. Speaking of ingredients, I must have missed the part where you are a doctor or scientist and can actually make a educated opinion on the ingredients. Anything else is just a random guess. I don't look into the ingredients of these vaccines for the same reason I don't inspect the engine on the airplane I am about to fly on: I did not spend my life learning about the subject matter and I am certainly not qualified to make any type of opinion. So if you aren't getting those vaccines either, please, stay home and don't get near my kids. Herd Immunity, look it up. Winer is killing it.
Ed M October 12, 2012 at 08:32 pm
Oren,
You continue to put forth your opinion as fact which it isn't.
V.M. Sable December 22, 2012 at 04:31 pm
To anyone who is open to listening, here is some of what I have learned over the years:
Vaccines are typically loaded with toxins which, in a well balanced immune system/digestive trac, would be filtered out of the body. Adults and children with imbalanced digestive tracs (due to being given antibiotics, without being dosed with SUBSTANTIAL PRObiotics, or the birth parents having imbalanced digestive tracs, as well as lack of proper feeding ("proper" being a BIG word) are not as able to filter the toxins out of the body. Roughly 90% of our immune system is located in our digestive system. The digestive system is "intimately" connected to the brain. When the digestive system is out of microbial balance, any of today's LONG list of ailments, or "auto-immune" conditions, can develope depending on what part of the digestive system is compromised most and what genetic factors exist. I am not an expert. I am a parent who has had NO success with the standard medical model in addressing my or my child's health issues, in fact, it has only exasperated our health issues. I have done ALOT of research on my own, some of which began with listening to Dr James Winer over the years. Dr Winer treated my child, who was diagnosed with ADD, for some food allergies/sensitivities with success. I combined Dr Winer's recommendations with other doctor's findings, namely Dr Natasha Campbell McBride and Dr Ray Peat, and have finally gotten notable and lasting (to be continued...)
V.M. Sable December 22, 2012 at 04:48 pm
(continued) improvement with both my child's issues and my own issues (starting with chronic and SEVERE Sinusitis of 3 1/2 years.) I believe the standard medical model (drugs and surgery) doctors are here to help us. I believe that today's standard medical "system" is VERY problematic due matter$ that are probably best left to another discussion. My bottom line is that today we have to be OUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE when it comes our and our family's health and that includes thinking "out of the box" and not just letting the doctors do our thinking for us; even most doctors themselves will tell you that. This is just my humble opinion and my actual experience.
Erin Conners December 22, 2012 at 07:55 pm
This is not in any way conclusive evidence, but I like to research more natural approaches to different ailments, and in many cases I have found the natural to work much better than the otc or doctor's prescription. I am also extremely skeptical to gluten free diets, vegetarian diets (for health purposes), this imagined systemic candida ailment that so many who see naturopaths believe to be suffering from, etc..
That said, we eat horribly and suffer the consequences but rather than look towards changing our lifestyles, we tend to go for the symptom relieving drug. I take daily vitamins and probiotics and do not receive the flu shot. I am very concerned about the different ingredients in the flu shot. Regardless, I have not been ill in the cold/flu way for over 5 years. The people I know who do receive the flu shot, almost always get sick...for months. These people also eat horribly and some drink/smoke so these are all factors. The questions that Oren is asking are valid and should be asked. Describing a source of health information that he enjoys is excellent info to share for those interested. If I maintain a better resistance to illness than most when it is all around me all of the time...I see no reason for me to put dog kidney and mercury and msg into my body at this time. It is important to let our immune systems do some of the heavy lifting now and again.
Mark A. December 22, 2012 at 08:33 pm
I'm not sure what the author is preaching against here, just the flu vaccine or all vaccines? Not getting the flu vaccine is one thing, but other vaccines such as whooping cough depend on herd immunity to wipe out the disease. We had pretty much wiped out whooping cough until some misinformed parents started refusing the vaccine. Now it is re-emerging due to the herd immunity being compromised. This directly endangers infants who are too young to get the vaccine.
The idiotic anti-vax scare of the last few years seems to be slowly ending as people become properly informed, let's not attempt to reignite it.
Oren Spiegler December 22, 2012 at 08:34 pm
Thank you, Erin. It sounds like you are following a sound course and that you consider health information objectively and sensibly as I seek to do. Your Patch photograph depicts a healthy-looking, fit individual. I believe in Dr. Winer's mantra that "we are digging our graves with our teeth". We eat and drink large quantities of junk and could not care less about our habits, failing to make the connection between them and our general health. I am one of the few individuals in my office that has not been off work due to illness in years and on occasions that come down with a touch of something, I recover quickly. Dr. Winer has said that he is the only person in his office that does not get sick, something which he attributes primarily to diet. Diet, nutrition, supplements, and aerobic exercise are the keys to good health, in my view, not dangerous drugs that merely treat symptoms. Keep up the good work and be well!
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