Ask Karen: Just because you read it online doesn’t make it true

Karen McNew

Newschannel 10
Published: April 9, 2008

QUESTION: Please read the interview with a vaccine researcher before you recommend giving flu shots to 6-month-old babies. Ask yourself who benefits, the baby or the pharmaceutical company?
ANSWER: I did take the time to look at the Web site sent to me by this viewer. It is a Q&A on a Web site that claims to be a discussion regarding the dangers of vaccines with a “former pharma employee,” however there is no name and the entire conversation seems to be lacking details because the person being interviewed wants to “preserve my privacy.”
I have been cautioned by local health experts about the Internet and some of the health information that is out there. One doctor told me just because you read it online doesn’t make it true.
With that said here is what I found from Dr. John Moore with Botetourt Pediatrics about the Centers for Disease Control’s latest recommendation which includes giving the flu vaccine to all children from age 6 months to 18 years old.
He says, “There is a definite societal benefit if you give the vaccine to younger children. We all benefit because young children act as a reservoir for the flu. With the vaccine, the fewer parents and grandparents get the flu and the healthier the communities are.”
I know there are many people who are concerned about vaccines and Dr. Moore says at his office they do not use vaccines containing Thimerisol on young children. Thimerisol contains mercury and had been used as a preservative in many vaccines. There have been considerable concerns voiced about the possible link between mercury and affects on a child’s brain.
He says Thimerisol was taken out of vaccines for young children about seven years ago.
“With any medication there is a thought process ... you look at the benefit versus the risk,” Moore says.
Ultimately, a parent needs to talk with their child’s doctor about what is best for you and your family.