Flu Shot?

Do you get a flu shot?
I don't.

I have no issue with people getting one, of course.
Everyone needs to make decisions about their own health care.

My parents are usually the first ones in line at the annual free flu shot thing where they live.

I assume that most people consider all the angles before making their decision for or against.

Dr. Dirtball told me years and years ago that she wouldn't allow her family to get a flu shot or get one for herself. She said that it's not effective and it carries risks that she was not willing to take.

Well okay then.

I have a few opinions on the importance of the flu shot... first, they usually admit its effectiveness is based on speculation. They're not really sure whether the flu they're vaccinating against is the one that's coming.

It's a big moneymaker for clinics and for the companies that are producing the vaccine, too.

This year, and every year the clinic tells me that I NEED to get a flu shot!
Lots of emphasis on the 'need' part.

They say that every year.

You can get it at the pharmacy or at your regular doctor or at one of the drive-thru events held in various places around town.

Why are they working so hard to sell it?
Well, if they don't sell it, they don't make money on it, that's one thing.

Eric's health insurer sent him a flyer this week exhorting him to 'protect your loved ones with a flu shot'.

Appealing to one's wish to protect the ones they love can be effective, I suppose.

So can using the current crisis to sell the idea further. 'With covid-19, this year, it might be essential.'

Of course this year, everyone who's out and about in the places I visit is wearing a mask.

Handwashing has become a religion for me and mine, too. I'm careful to keep my hands away from my face and do all the things one is supposed to when trying to avoid becoming ill.

It seems to me that this year one has a smaller chance than usual of contracting whatever flu is going around, too.

People aren't going to work, kids aren't in school, most folks are staying home as much as humanly possible and did I mention everyone is wearing a mask?


Part of the reason I mistrust all the stuff 'they' say is all the BS that they can't prove.

'If you get the vaccine and still get the flu, your case will be milder.'
Um, how do they know that?
That implies they're psychic.
I don't think they are.

'The flu shot helped prevent 4.4 million flu illnesses and 58,000 hospital visits during the 2018-19 flu season'

Again, they're not psychics. And shouldn't be trying to act like they are.

'The flu shot can't give you the flu. It can't make you sick'

Eric knew a guy who actually died from an adverse reaction to the flu vaccination. He said he didn't want it, they talked him into it. In 24 hours he was sicker than hell, his doctor told him it was "definitely" the vaccine. The three months he survived after that were not good months. It made him really sick before it finally killed him.

I don't know.

I am not anti-vax, there are vaccinations I don't disagree with.

But there are some that cause me concern.

Gardasil, for example.
Banned in Japan, multiple lawsuits over horrendous effects including death... I gave that one an absolute no fucking way when it came out and it was suggested for my daughter.

I try to be careful about what I take and feel a little embarrassed that I listened to my doctor about the goddamn BP meds in July. It felt wrong. I knew it was a bad idea and I trusted her anyway.

Makes me more cautious and suspicious now.

So no judgement.
I am all for people making their own informed decisions.

I'm interested in your thoughts on this one.