Still Afraid Of Vaccines?

A new report by one of the most respected -- and independent -- groups in medicine probably won't convince everyone, but there is now more evidence than ever that vaccines are safer than some people choose to believe.

The group is the Institute of Medicine, a group with no ties to big pharmacy or corporate medicine -- and they have just wrapped up a review of more than 1,000 studies on the risks of vaccination. Their conclusion: for most of us, there is little, if any risk, from getting immunized.

Agree or disagree, here's what the group says:

- No link between the MMR vaccine and autism

- No link between DPT shots and Type 1 diabetes

- No link between flu shots worsening asthma or causing paralysis of the facial muscles

The most common side effects seemed to be things like a sore arm, low grade fever, or fainting after a shot.  

People who have more serious reactions, such as literally becoming ill, tend to be those with underlying immune system problems.

There is one risk everyone should be aware of, and that is an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Very, very rare, but not an absent risk. Those vaccines include MMR, chicken pox, Hepatitis B, meningococcus, tetanus, and flu.

It's that last one that makes me especially nervous when I hear about "drive-through" flu shots -- I don't cotton to the idea of someone driving into a parking lot, getting a shot, and then driving off.

There was no conclusion about the safety of Gardasil, since it is a relatively new vaccine.

The major takeaway from this report -- no immunization, as with any medical treatment, is 100 percent safe, but when used properly can go a long way in keeping you healthy.

Give it a shot.