KUWAIT, March 15 (KUNA) -- With the diseases spreading nowadays and new ones being discovered, new vaccines are hitting the markets recently, which makes people wonder if all these vaccines are really necessary? Are vaccines now considered double-edged drugs? Consultant pediatric Dr. Afaf Al-Roumi spoke to KUNA about the new vaccines that private hospitals are marketing such as the flu vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, rotavirus vaccine (to prevent severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants), and a special vaccine to prevent cervical cancers in women.

She advised parents to consult a doctor about the pros and cons of a new vaccine before getting it.

First, the flu vaccine protects against the influenza which begins in December, January, and stretches beyond, and it is recommended to anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flue.

The flu vaccine should be taken in September - October. Two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza virus infection develop in the body.

People who should avoid the flu vaccine are those who have allergy to chicken eggs or certain medications such as (Thimerosal or Gentamycin neomycin), women suspected of being pregnant, and people who showed severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

Flu vaccines may cause mild flu symptoms 3-5 days after receiving the shot. Almost none of those who received the shot reported any problems, she added.

Dr. Afaf was confronted by the remark of Thimerosal researcher Tom Burbacher, a professor at the University of Washington-Seattle who said although the amount of mercury in one shot is very small, but scientists don't know how long it stays in a child's brain or whether it can accumulate over time.

To that she responded "which is better; to spare a child from a preventable disease through taking a flu vaccine, or for a child to constantly get sick and even suffer asthma attacks after a simple cold or flu?" Besides if a child enjoys excellent health, then there is no need for a flu vaccine. But, if a child has a weak immune system, then it is recommended he/she takes it, she added, not answering the mercury question.