Local Pharmacy Rejects Flu Shot

Pharmacy will not supply it to the public

Updated: Wednesday, 15 Sep 2010, 10:05 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 14 Sep 2010, 11:50 PM EDT

·  Kate Greene

Brazil, Ind. (WTHI) - You can spot flu shot signs just about anywhere in the Wabash Valley, but you won't see a sign or even a shot at Lynn's Pharmacy in Brazil, Indiana.

Pharmacist Lynn Hostetler is saying no to the flu vaccine this year after supplying the public with it for more than 20 years. "I just have some reservation about how effective the flu vaccine really is in keeping people from getting the flu," Hostetler said.

Last year's flu frustration left him with doubts about the vaccines. "For everybody to be taken at random, and to be mandated by the government of the state or your workplace to take it, I have issues with that," Hostetler said. He said his issues also stem from the World Health Organization and the CDC's relationship with the vaccine manufactures. "They're very close to the vaccine manufactures and sometimes friendships tend to cloud judgments," Hostetler said. He's also concerned about the high dosage for seniors this year. The flu dosage is 4-times greater than normal. Health officials said senior's immunity is known to wear off a couple months after the flu vaccine, so this dosage will prevent that from happening.

"I don't know what the side effects of increasing the dosage by a factor of four is," Hostetler said. "I don't know if there's going to be more side effects, more flu like symptoms, more results from the shots." Most other pharmacies and health departments said the flu shot is one of the best preventative measures you can take. "We're just really trying to get the education out on the flu precautions and encouraging people to get their flu shots as soon as they can," Vigo County Health Department Megan Bland said.

Hostetler said he thinks people in the high risk groups should get vaccinated, but not those who are seemingly healthy. He said he's only supplying the vaccine to doctors. "This is my gut feeling," Hostetler said. "I don't have any proof one way or another. I wish I did, but I'm not doing it." He also said he's received the flu shot only twice in his life and that was over 30 years ago.

He said washing your hands, eating healthy, and taking vitamin D will do the trick from getting sick.