Do You Get Flu Shots? Why or Why Not?

It's that time of year again. I've had doctors tell me that I should get flu shots. Then I read the warnings and the shots can cause neurological problems. I am wondering if the benefits of the shot outweigh the risks. What do you think?

I didn't get one last year, because the year before was three strains together & made me so sick. I don't think I will get one this year. After having the shingles I would recommend anyone to get the shingles shot. I agree with Beeba....I am a Germaphob....I even stay away from crowds if at all possible during the flu season. Also a tip...If you have to see a dr. during flu season. Ask them in advance if they will take you back when you get there. Even if you just wait in an office until it's your turn. It's a lot easier than getting the flu.

I have never gotten a flu shot. My grandmother swore she only had the flu once in 94 years and it was the year she got the shot! I know a lot of people who swear by it though.

The main reason I won't get it is because when I was having my immune system tested they had to give me a pneumonia shot to make sure my body was developing antibodies and I had a horrible reaction. My arm swelled enormous and I was as sick as a dog. I don't want to chance that happening with the flu shot.

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to skip it. I've only ever gotten one in my life and that was two yrs ago. My sister got one last year and she was so sick from it, had a seizure, and they had to take her to the hospital by ambulance! She's fine now. I do have a Vit D deficiency and now am on a maintenance dose of 2000 units a day.

never got the flu shot, but have had a shot for pneumonia and they last for year

I get the flu shot, I can not imagine being in any more pain than what I am already with Chiari, I highly recommend getting the shot

I have gotten it some years and not gotten it others. My husband is a RN and has to get the shot. My brother has Lhu Gherigs disease so I always get one now that he could die from the flu. We also give our kids the vaccine. None of us have ever had a reaction to the vaccine. I was raised by hippys so I’ve always gone the most natural route possible but I also very much believe in vaccines. I’ve had shingles and pneumonia and will happily get those vaccines if my new pcp suggests them. I have odd reactions to medications and several medicine allergies but haven’t had any known reaction to the vaccine aside from the temporary injection site tenderness. I just wanted to add my vote to get the vaccine but I know many who do not for the same reasons outlined in the comments above. You should do whatever feels best to you…I think the odds of serious complications from the shot are about the same as the odds of something serious occurring from contracting the flu (As long as you aren’t immunologically compromised like my brother anyways). Good luck either way :slight_smile:

I haven't gotten one and do not plan to and the one time I did was because I had to for my nursing clinical so basically I was forced too.