Influenza vaccine

[Grobyc82]

It seems to me that there is this stigma and misconceptions when it comes to the flu vaccine. Many people seem to be jaded by getting the vaccine when they believe that the flu shot makes them sick. Also many of the general staff at the hospital are upset that they're basically forced into getting a shot, if not forced to wear a mask throughout the entire flu season. I have people that tell me that they get sick after receiving the vaccine weeks if not months after receiving the shot. Many of the nurses that I work with refuse the vaccine swearing that they get sick after the shot. I know that the vaccine is definitely not full proof as there different strains of influenza so taking the shot seems like a gamble. What are some of your thoughts? Personally I don't have a problem with getting the flu shot.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I get one every year and strongly recommend them to all my patients. You cannot get the flu from an inactivated or recombinant vaccine. You can have some symptoms from an immune response, but they are mild and nothing in comparison to a full blown case of influenza.

Now to go make some popcorn...

[Buckeye.nurse]

I just have an added note on the idea that the flu shot can "make you sick". It is indeed a recombent virus. We have additional education we give to our hem-onc population. I have given the vaccine to patients with an ANC of 300 before (between chemo cycles). The virus may only be 20% effective, but if I can keep 20% of my severely immuno-compromised patients from getting the flu, I'll consider it a success.

Flu Shots and Immunizations | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

[Wuzzie]

Should I make some popcorn?

You could do that or start collecting apricot kernels.

[flowerpowerntx]

I read that out of all of the recent flu deaths, 80% were not vaccinated. That is a pretty substantial stat to me. I get a flu shot every year.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I think people need to realize is the flu shot is not going to keep them from getting sick with anything other than the influenza strains it covers. "I get sick every year I get a flu shot".. when you dig deeper, people will say, "yeah, I got the flu shot in October, and had the worst stomach flu of my life in December". There are a lot of viral and bacterial infections you can and will still catch.. the flu shot doesn't keep you from getting sick with any other disease.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I get a next day "ache-y, flushed/low grade temp" reaction from the vaccine. I still receive it. Unfortunately, this was a bad year for protection/efficacy of the vaccine, so people will add that to the orificenal of reasons not to get the shot...

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I get a next day "ache-y, flushed/low grade temp" reaction from the vaccine. I still receive it. Unfortunately, this was a bad year for protection/efficacy of the vaccine, so people will add that to the orificenal of reasons not to get the shot...

I've actually had more people come in and ask for the flu shot this year than ever before. I think it's because of the media coverage on the deaths, both local and national.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I get a flu shot every year. Some years I have a mild reaction of malaise, chills. I have never had the flu that I can recall.

I have seen one death as a result of flu, in a healthy 30 year old.

[NYnurse17]

I've heard it touted as the biggest joke in medicine and I tend to agree, but not for the misconceived reasons here. Unfortunately working in a hospital we are mostly forced to get one. Otherwise there's no way I would get one.

[ProperlySeasoned]

Will you get the flu from a flu shot? No

Might you have an inflammatory reponse that may make you feel crummy and "flu like," for up to a week? Yes

Are the odds of dying from influenza greater than the odds of dying from above inflammatory response? Yes

Do work polices sometimes "make" me do things that cause me to feel bad? Yes (working instead of taking a nap, stress, etc.)

Do I have to work as a nurse, or in healthcare? No

[Kitiger, RN]

You could do that or start collecting apricot kernels.

... apricot kernels?

[Wuzzie]

... apricot kernels?

Yes, apparently they cure cancer but do NOT call them pits!! We were informed that it's not the same thing. The kernel is IN the pit. And Vitamin C cures everything. And chemo nurses are in it for the money.