MNCLHD

MNCLHD

Thursday, May 16, 2013

"Influenza vaccines: time for a rethink"

In this recent JAMA article, author Peter Doshi challenges the basic assumption that influenza is "a major public health threat for which the annual vaccine offers a safe and effective solution."  Doshi argues that there is no evidence that vaccines reduce the serious complications of influenza.  He says that the media and health promotional messages confuse the influenza virus with "flu", causing people to have unrealistic expectations about the vaccine's potential benefit.  Doshi also highlights the risks and benefits of influenza vaccines and calls for more discussion on the topic. 

JAMA Intern Med. 2013;():1-3. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.490. 

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