I didn't get a flu shot last year, as the vaccine was so ineffectual (none of the strains used were the ones that went around last year) and I got the flu in SEPTEMBER!! Right when my kids went back to school, I was sick for weeks. Then, I found out that having the flu had triggered rheumatoid arthritis. I never knew that could happen...now I'm telling everyone I know: get the flu shot. always.

Got one free at work. So far, no flu!

I have to say, I'm one of the flu shot haters.

I agree that the young and the elderly need to protect themselves, but for those of us that are healthy, getting flu shots year after year are just creating a super flu. One that is resistant to all types of medication (think the MRSA of staff infections).

I personally would rather not get the shot and have the antibodies built up from getting a flu or two, then to not be able to fight stronger strains as they come along.

I don't get the shot. The strain just changes so quickly now. But then again, I don't even like to take tylenol. I'm more of a natural remidies person.

But my Dad gets it and I am glad he does. Some people just can't risk it.

No. It is offered for free at my job but I haven't gotten the shot in three years. Only if it's absolutely necessary and mandatory. The same with my son, I consult with his pediatrician and he recommends that my son get the shot but it's not mandatory. Thank goodness we've never been stricken by the flu.

I got my very first flu shot in November. And promptly also got as sick as a dog the very next week. Rubbish!

I've heard all you really need to avoid getting sick is more Vitamin D, which you can take as a pill or just go outside and get some sun!

I've never gotten a shot; never gotten the flu. I might consider it when we have a baby in the house but if I can get away without it I'll keep skipping it. I just hate shots!

no - i've never been one to get the flu shot, so this year is no different to me. i feel like i get sick once each winter, maybe with the flu and maybe not, so there's not enough of a benefit to me right now. maybe as i get older i might consider it..

I get one free at work every year, so I figure why not. And knock on wood, no flu yet.

I get them free at work. But I didn't take it because the two times I did get the shot, It gave me the flu. The past few years I opted not to take it, and I haven't gotten the flu. (Fingers crossed)

I have to, sadly. I hate it, and I think it doesn't truly protect me.

However, in December of 2006, I got the flu and it triggered ulcerative colitis.

So... Get a flu shot. UC sucks.

I got the flu shot for the first time this year. I get the flu every single year it comes around, so I figured that I'd give it a shot as I don't have a lot of sick leave from work. I don't know that I like the idea of getting it, but figure, since I always get it and don't have the leave, I might as well try it. Hopefully, it'll work and I won't get it this year, however I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed.

Military makes us snort the vaccine. Technically I've had it, but I blew my nose literally one and a half seconds afterwards, so who knows if I've HAD it.

I get a flu shot every year and can't remember the last time I had to flu. The flu shot can't "give you the flu" unless you have no immune system.

I don't believe in getting the flu shot. I don't give them to my children either. The chance
that that they pick the right flu shot to give out is about the same as getting the flu. I would
rather take my chances w the flu then pump a bunch of chemicals and drugs into my body.

Just eat right and wash your hands. Unless you're over 60 I don't see the need for one.

i got the fu shot
i'm in medical school- i can't afford to get sick

the chance they pick the right flu shot is NOT the same as getting the flu. you have a MUCH better chance of getting sick if you DON'T have the shot. a lot of research goes into this, every year. it is impossible and unrealistic for every possible virus to be included. but the ones you are most likely to come in contact with are there

Not this yr.

No but I should have since I have asthma.

Nope, never have, and probably won't anytime soon. And I've never had the flu. Yay me.

I haven't gotten a flu shot in years. Luckily, I haven't had any problems either. My immune systems seem to fight things off pretty well. I do have asthma, so I need to watch out a bit, so it doesn't turn into something like bronchitis.

I've never had a flu shot and I've never had the flu. I feel like I know too many people that have gotten sick after getting the shot, I'd rather take my chances with diet, exercise and vitamins!

I don't typically get it, but since I'm pregnant and due this month, I got the shot this year just in case. Since I got the shot, my little girl has been passed the antibodies so she'll have the same protection once she's born. And since infants can't get the vaccination until their at least 6 months, I figured it was prudent to do what I could to offer whatever protection I could, even if it is a random crap shoot.

Otherwise, my hubby and I don't normally get it. We vaccinate our son now, but he's in pre-school now and exposed to so many other children. Again, what's the harm. So there's our stance.

I don't like shots so I don't get it, I'm a healthy adult so I don't see the need for it, plus I rarely get sick (knock on wood of course) and when I do it's nothing more then a sinus infection.

I do believe that most elderly should because their immune systems aren't as good as it was when they were younger but i'm sure in some cases they are.

with kids, it depends if they are in daycare then I don't think it's necessary because their immune systems are already pretty strong with all the germs that go around.

Nope I will never ever again get a flu shot having having a horrible allergic reaction to the one I receive a few years back.

Since I won't get the shot I have to be extra cautious around my sister while she's going through chemo.

No. I'm against flu shots. I could go on and on about why but I'll just leave it up to people to make up their own decisions. I always used to rant to anyone who would listen why it's bad for you but I realized that ultimately, it's up to the person and I can't sway them if they're dead set on getting it.

I got the flu shot, but it's mostly because I have to take the subway to work and if I could do something to prevent catching something there, I do. I also used to get the shot when I was in college and lived on campus because once someone gets sick there it just spreads to everyone even if you do everything you can to avoid it (apart from locking yourself at home 24/7). If it weren't for these two things, I don't think I'd be getting the flu shot.

I got my shot, every little bit helps.

I haven't gotten the flu in years, but I'm always around people [particularly in class] who seem to be deathly sick and spread the flu to everyone else. Just inconsiderate.

Also, if I do get the flu, the shot should cut my downtime. Better than trying to make an emergency visit to the doctor for Tamiflu!

ella1978 ...AGREED!!!

I've never gotten a flu shot, and surprise surprise, I have the flu right now, lol. But I totally agree with ella1978

No. I do not get flu shots

I'm supposed to get one because I have an immune disorder, but I got one this year and had a HORRIBLE reaction, and then I got the flu anyway. So I think I'll pass next year.

They won't give flu shots here to healthy people (UK). I could pay for one I suppose but what's the point? I'd rather put my immune system to the test!!

NO! I've had the jab a handful of times in my life, and each time I got waaaaaay more ill afterward than if I'd just caught the virus. Plus my general loathing for needles knows no bounds.

OOOPS I forgot to get my shot. Boy I'm glad I came onto fit today.