The flu season is just around the corner, and along with it the public health hype to get your flu shot, especially for the elderly. The flu shot marketing campaign has been quite successful in recent years, going from 15% of elderly several decades ago up to the current 65% level. Driving the campaign has been the claim that flu shots reduce overall mortality in seniors by 50%. New research says this statistic is not correct, and was arrived at by wishful thinking.

The new research shows that flu shots¹ provide no statistically significant reduction in mortality at all. This means that for the greatest portion of seniors, meaning those who are well enough to get around the community and are not stuck in a nursing home, the flu shot is pointless.

Researchers recommend that common sense be used instead. Wash your hands more often and avoid situations of exposure whenever possible. I have written previously on the many natural immune support options individuals have during the flu season - which of course do not replace appropriate medical care.

As most of you know, I'm no fan of flu shots as I pointed out last year in my article titled “The Gullible Jennifer Gardner Flu Shot Campaign.”