Flu vaccine

The researchers found no evidence that the vaccine lowers the risk of admission to hospital in winter among elderly patients with acute respiratory disease (Vaccine doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.09.005).

There are other papers that say just the opposite
Hows a poor statistical ignoramus t sort these things out.

Here one suggesting all we docs should take the needle

CONCLUSIONS: Programs to promote and facilitate influenza immunization for healthcare workers appear to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality in the elderly
Hayward, A.C., et al Br Med J 333:1241, December 16, 2006
RESULTS: Overall vaccination uptake rates, including full- and part-time staff, were 35% in intervention homes vs. 5% in control homes in 2003-2004, and 31% vs. 4% in 2004-2005. Vaccination rates among residents exceeded 70%. During 2003-2004, there was a statistical reduction in selected resident outcomes in intervention homes during the influenza season, including influenza- like illness (11% vs. 23%, NNT 4.5), hospital admission and GP consultations for influenza-like illness (0.3% vs. 2% [NNT 20.4] and 10% vs. 19% [NNT 5.8]), and all-cause mortality (11% vs. 15%, NNT 8.2). Similar trends were observed in 2004-2005, although overall influenza activity during that period was very low.

cervical cancer vaccine

Here is a question and answer format that seems straight down the middle.
It's 15 US a year to use this very worthwhile site.

Travel information

Visit Dr Marc Shaw's website for travel information and other travel related stuff.

He has skills in theatre direction, scripting, and film and video production. He loves to travel, writes poetry, creates sculpture and can definitely tell the difference between a glass of Château d'Yqiem and a bottle of gin!

This site is full of good stuff like best insect repellants and the following which answered a couple of questions I have had in mind-:

How long do the vaccinations last for?

Have a look at the chart below and that will give you an idea of how long they last, provided that you have had the FULL course of injections.

* Chicken Pox 10 years, or longer
* Cholera (oral vaccine) about 2 years
* Diphtheria 10 years
* Flu vaccine (Fluvax) about 1 year
* Hepatitis A (Vaqta / Havrix/Twinrix) 30 years (possibly longer)
* Hepatitis B (HBVax II/Engerix B/Twinrix) life
* Japanese B Encephalitis 2 - 3 years
* Measles, Mumps, Rubella 15 years, or longer
* Meningitis (Menomune/Mencevax) 2-3 years
* Pneumonia (Pneumovax) 5 years, or longer
* Polio (Sabin) 10 years, or longer
* Polio (IPV) 10 years, or longer
* Rabies (pre exposure) 1 - 10 years
* Tetanus 10 years, or longer
* Typhoid 2 - 3 years
* Yellow Fever 10 years

Influenza vaccine in healthy adults

Conclusion:

“The universal immunization of healthy adults should achieve a number of specific goals: reducing the spread of the disease, reducing the economic loss due to working days lost and reducing morbidity and hospitalization.” None of these goals have been demonstrated in the available RCT evidence.

Clinical implications: “Universal immunization of healthy adults is not supported by the results of this review.”

Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers who work with the elderly (Cochrane Review)