Flu Shot 2008
Yesterday I got an email from HR here at GE about the employee benefit of bringing in nurses to administer on site flu shots. I have to admit that I have yet to get a flu shot when they have been available ever since University.
Today I read this CBC article titled Canadians urged to get flu shots despite problems.
I think I’ll continue the trend and not get a flu shot again this year. If I was interacting with older people or newborns more often then I might. But I’m not convinced it does more good than bad. I’ll just let nature take it’s course and roll the dice.
This from a complete health care idiot.
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
From a nurses’ perspective…I am not sold either. I haven’t had it the past 2 years. Last year because I was pregnant, and this year because I am not around the nursing home much.
I have yet to decide about next year. I would hate to make our little one sick because of something I brought home from work, yet at the same time I am skeptical of how effective it really is and whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks. There is no guarantee that they have even put the right strains of flu in the vaccine for what will hit this flu season.
Then we could get into the whole discussion about the mercury content of the shot, and how it’s the only one left with Thimerosal in it. You can request mercury-free shots, but you have to look harder…
I’ll stop now :)
January 8th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I just found your blog from a link from Jen’s site. I as well do not get the flu shot. My mom asked my doctor (who we trust very much) a few years ago if he gives it to his kids and he said no. That was our convincing factor as we trust his opinion a lot. As well from the things I’ve read, I’m also unconvinced that the benefits outweigh the risk of the mercury in most shots. The way I see it, if I get the flu, I get the flu. A few days later I’ll be as good as new and I don’t have to worry about any long term effects.