FLU: Vaccine still best defense

This is in response to the letter written by Wade Lachman of Post Falls Naturopathic Clinic regarding the seasonal influenza vaccine.

I will agree that stress management, exercise and diet all play a role in our ability to fight off illness. However, our best defense against seasonal influenza is, undeniably, the vaccine. It is in the best interest of our entire community that the majority of individuals are vaccinated. Those that opt out of vaccination are simply riding the immunity “coat tails” of those that do. Unvaccinated individuals are bringing down immunization rates in our community and compromising the health of those that must rely on herd immunity to stay safe from infectious diseases that are, indeed, preventable.

The influenza vaccine is safe, effective and affordable. A flu vaccine will cost you approximately $15.99 at your local pharmacy, although most insurance companies will cover the vaccination at 100 percent. It does, after all, fall into the preventative medicine category. Unlike the alternative therapies being sold on the Post Falls Naturopathic website that are not covered by insurance and will cost you anywhere from $30 to $90 for a single bottle. I find it irresponsible that health professionals such as Post Falls Naturopathic Clinic are encouraging patients to avoid evidence based vaccine and opt for non-evidence based supplements and herbal therapies as an alternative.

Influenza can be fatal. Respect the science. The history of death and devastation infectious disease has left in its path throughout the centuries.

Vaccinate.

TONYA COPPEDGE

Coeur d’Alene