Well, this is "Alice in Wonderland" logic. When demand drops for this useless and potentially dangerous vaccine, the reaction of the CDC is not that we need less of it made, but that more Americans should get vaccinated.

This is a familiar plea from the CDC, being the same one they made last year. Of course, they justify their concerns by trotting out erroneous numbers like the estimated annual number of flu deaths (36,000) when the real number for 2002 in America was less than 800.

Is the CDC's job to protect the public health or the massive profits of the drug companies?

Fact is, Dr. Gerberding's pleas for Americans to endanger their health by receiving a vaccine sound more like wrongheaded cheerleading than ever before.

This story prompted a great deal of response from Mercola.com readers.  Some selected highlights are below.

You may not realize that you can now comment AND vote on articles at Vital Votes. Your participation will actually help select the articles that are sent out in this newsletter. And if your comments are good enough they will be posted in the newsletter.

If you aren't registered make sure you do so resiter now at Vital Votes. You have a chance of having your comment posted like these readers did:

"Several years ago I was very sick with the Flu. At the time I was on massive doses of anti-ulcer medications to control my chronic ulcer disease.  Little did I know that by taking acid reducing medication, I was actually making myself far more likely to contract the flu and develop pneumonia. 

Many patients in the hospital for flu or pneumonia will be found to have been taking acid reducers. I was one of the millions who believed wholeheartedly in the yearly flu shot.  Since researching sites like Mercola.com and other natural health sites I have been able to get off the meds and have not even contracted a cold, with the help of cod liver oil, probiotics, and organic food.  

Thank you Dr. M."

"I really do not understand why people take the flu shot, just to 'prevent' the flu. The flu is pretty harmless to most people, and causes no serious effects -- I think many people do not realize the harm that can come from such vaccines."

"The last flu shot I received was in 1975,  when the  Federal government  sponsored the  no-cost 'Swine  Flu  Vaccinations.'  I immediately came down with the flu, and over the season I experienced many recurrences.

Although I was in great physical shape at the time, it was the sickest winter season of my life. I swore off all future flu vaccinations, and have not experienced a bad winter since. The key, of course, is to develop and maintain a healthy immune system through diet and exercise, and supplementing with vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies. I urge everyone to just say no to all flu vaccines."

"Gee ... I wonder how much Drug Company lobbyists paid them for them to make that plea."

"HI!  Well...a couple of years ago I had my first Flu shot. After...I did not get sick for a year.  Before that I had been on antibiotics for more than half of a year for probably 5 years...I told everyone how great that was and they should get a flu shot.

WELL!  I have changed my tune!  I am on my first (cold/flu) since over a year ago of a flu shot.  I have the head cold...now bronchitus (by now I would have been on antibiotics if not for the info I have found here). 

I've been searching Dr. Mercolas website and found an article he did on the Hymilan salt.  Which I had orderd a few weeks ago for food preperation....well...after 3 steam breathing treatments it is amazing the difference of what is coming up and out.  No more (sorry this is gross!) thick almost hard dark green gray junk...it is almost clear!  All in one day!  How fantastic!

I am so happy to have found this site and Dr. M...wish I could make a trip to IL to see him and have him check me out and help in all areas!  I have already told so many people about this site and his information!

Thank you Dr. Mercola!  I hope to make a healthier lifestyle for me and my family! I love your information emails and I check your website for any and all questions or concerns I have!  You are a blessing!

May God Bless You!"