Brain Fertilizer

I've gotten a flu shot every year since I became very, very ill with the flu at 19. However, when the concerns arose about a shortage, I discussed it with my doctor, he perused my history, and found me healthy enough that I could forego it. I was happily surprised.

I think if many folks with chronic illnesses/diseases called their PCP, they'd find that the folks who *really* need the shot are very small group...enough that can all be vaccinated, despite the shortage.

I do believe, however, we've been conditioned to desire the flu shot. At my work, a couple nurses come in and shoot ya up right there in the boardroom, free of charge, every year. It is just something we expect now.

I can't remember the last time I got a flu shot (It was before I moved to the desert in 1996)

I've never seen the need for one as vital. (Even though I was bombarded with the need to get one from my office, or anytime I walked into my local grocery store)
Them: "Hey, have you gotten your flu shot yet?"
Me: "I don't want the Flu" (my sarcastic passive response)
Them: *perplexed look on their face as I walk away*

Caveat: I can't remember the last time I got a major case of the flu either, while the people around me (who did get flu shots) have.

I have *never* had a flu shot and have never given any of my daughters a flu shot. I know that people die of the flu, but I when I examine the general health of my family, we simple aren't in the high risk category.

I am amazed at what a "blame someone" country we are sometimes. It's always the fault of someone....

I wouldn't get one if I had a choice. Most years, I don't have a choice. I've never noticed any difference in the frequency of flu contraction regardless of whether I've gotten the shot or not.
This year, due to the shortage, I don't have to get one.
Yay!

Sure, getting the flu is uncomfortable and inconvenient. I'm just a little tired of people considering their convenience to be a basic human right.

When I was in the Marines, you didn't really get a choice. So each year when it was time for the Flu shot, I ended up catching the flu.

Since I was demoted to a PFC (Private F&^#in' Citizen) in 99, I've yet to get one. So, instead of batting a thousand, I'm about .333 which is much better.

Be vewwy, vewwy, caweful. What is a nuisance to 99.9% is still death to the remainder. And you know what happened to Kerry when he attempted to set a level of acceptable death [terrorism].

But we have acceptable levels of death all the time, starting with the 40,000 people who die in car accidents every year.
Or continuing with the acceptable level of children deaths by drowning in swimming pools being more societally acceptable than that by guns, since no one is leading a campaign against swimming pools even though the pools account for an extra 100 kids each year over those who die from guns.
There is a .1% (or probably far less) to whom the flu is dangerous. Let's save it for them, then, eh? Under the current attitudes, we're killing more of them off by the demand increasing the price of the vaccine.