It's a huge mistake to be coy about the deficiencies of any vaccine because it will make people resist getting vaccinated. In the long run the truth comes out and if the authorities have lied or dissembled about the vaccine's effectiveness, the backlash will be far greater than if the truth had originally been told. In addition, if vaccines are ineffective we must build the popular sentiment for developing more effective vaccicnes. This can only happen while the unvarnished truth is presented to the public.

Why does the Trib keep using a photo with flu stories that really doesn't represent how we react to a harmless little injectiion?

Now the truth comes out about the effectiveness of the flu shot. Only 9% effective?? Wow, that's terrible. Why even take it and the poisonous mercury in it that preserves it?? No thanks. 30 to 40% effective is pretty good in the elderly??? No it's not, it should be at least 90% effective in the elderly. The people that need protection against the flu the most, the elderly, are not getting it. We must do better, and take out the mercury, find a safe or safer preservative for the flu vaccine. In the meantime, build up your immune system naturally. I'm middle aged and have never taken a flu shot, and I'm still alive. Nature is wiser and smarter than man.

Once you start taking the flu vaccine you become dependent upon it. And, your immune system becomes or grows weaker. Thats what I believe.

If you have a strong immune system you should be able to resist any virus, bacteria, or germ or infectious disease. A good diet, exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep will help a lot. But stay away from sick people and wash your hands frequently. Common sense things. I'm still not sold on the flu vaccine.

The Older people are less protected probably because their Immune system is not as good so they don't have much to work with. Everyone, especially the elderly, should keep their immune system working by eating properly and taking supplements if that is what it takes.

The expression on his face is priceless. Seriously, how many adults cringe with fear from an injection?

How about building your immune system by taking the proper vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising. What a novel idea. I guess some people just need to knock on wood. Personally, I haven't been to a doctor in 20 years and haven't even had the sniffles this year.

9 percent effective, totally unacceptable. I believe that refunds are in order for all who actually paid for these (our government or seniors themselves). Based on the numerous stories that I have read, I think these flu shots are way overblown/overprescribed based on their effectiveness and the numbers that I have seen. I think the public is getting duped.

" because some protection is better than none", again, they push the belief that humans have no immune system.