Flu Shot ??

Yep. I got mine yesterday.

I recently read an article by a DO whom talked about the flu shot, and had a few concerns. However, when I brought these concerns up with an Infection Disease MD whom I work with, and a PharmD they both said it would be beneficial to get the vaccination. You always have some risk, but like most things in healthcare you have to weigh the risk/benefit ratio.

I had mine this week. They not only protect the person who has them, but also helps to widen the immunity of the whole community - I'd rather not have flu or be off work over the winter months...

No. My whole family was vaccinated last year, but this year I am willing to take off work if any of us gets sick.

I'm not convinced the flu shot is very effective. It was well publicized that last year's vaccine targeted the wrong strain. I have recently read that the vaccine has not reduced doctor's visits or hospitalizations in children for the last two years.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006180652.htm

I only recently started taking it the last five years. So far I haven't been harmed by taking it. I've had the flu once or twice in those five years, so I know it's not going to 100% prevent the flu, but who knows if I would have gotten sick more times. So it's no big deal to me since so many experts recommend health care workers taking it.

It's a guessing game as far as what strains to vaccinate for. But just because they get it wrong doesn't mean it won't benefit you later. The flu shot last year that did not protect you because it was the wrong strain(s), may be the same strain that you are exposed to this year therefore protecting you this year. Or it could be similar enough to cause a secondary immune response to the strain this year, etc. And, as fonenurse mentioned, it provides "herd immunity." I get one every year.

I stopped getting them a few years ago, (when there was a shortage and they said those of us in ED were not "high risk enough" although management got shots) anyway I didn't get sick that year and ever year since I have not gotten as sick as I did the years with the shots.

At first I declined because I wasn't up for flu like symptoms, but when they came near my unit and gave them when I was getting off of work, I changed my mind. I've had the flu twice and was praying for death both times. This is my first year to get the shot.

I got my first flu shot ever last week - I'm a new nurse and haven't worked in health care before. I didn't have any reaction whatsoever, just as I haven't with any other vaccine in my life. I've never had a bad strain of influenza either, so far as I know, but again I haven't worked in health care yet. I just figure I should do what I can to protect myself, my hours, and my patients. I'm very pro-vaccine.