have learnt is not to jump to conclusions but to search for those alternate explanations, those confounders which deepen understanding and should inform public health policy and practice. My perspective lies in the clinical and public health realms. My concern about well intentioned skeptics is that what seems a compelling argument to them (and some other people) may be confounded. If I had an injury involving a severe laceration/amputation of a finger, I would much prefer a hand surgeon to neurosurgeon; both are highly trained and very much of it is overlapping, but at the end of the day I want the expert who does hand surgeries every day to look after me -- he or she knows more about the topic and has the practical expertise. I, as a doctor, am vaccinated against H1N1 2009 so that I am protected and do not pass on the infection to vulnerable patients. The vaccine is safe and effective. My nearest and dearest have been vaccinated too. Why not you?"  Declaration: Prof Robert Booy does not hold shares in vaccine companies and does not accept payment from them for consultation. For some years he has produced educational material for the public and health professionals on a pro bono basis. He does vaccine research trials with government and industry. He has been a vaccine researcher for over 20 years, the last 10 focussing on influenza. He is the author of over 25 scientific publications on influenza and a member of national committees