Wanted to know thoughts on flu shot from others.  My Dr. highly recomends and they have the one w/out any preservatives (e.g., thimerisol).  I have never gotten the shot in the past or the flu. Thanks!!

umm...I have never gotten a flu shot either. And I haven't gotten the flu since I was in highschool.

However, it's probably a good idea IF you are going to be around any vulnerable people (ie elderly or young kids). Other than that, I feel like it is OK to get sick once in a while and give your immune system some practice! lol I could be wrong and crazy tho!

I personally wouldn't take a flu shot..I'm 45 yrs old and have never taken it.   Plus, of more than half the people I know who have taken it in the past they end up with the flu....I'll take my chances.

I just got back from an interesting doctors' appointment with my new primary care, who I was not very happy with.  She was very adamant about me getting the flu shot and I had to refuse it multiple times.  I did mention that I was trying to get pregnant, and she felt all the more reason I should get it.  I refused again, and then she told me a horrific story about a mother who did not get a flu shot early in her pregnancy.  I felt she was trying to threaten and scare me and was not respecting my choice NOT to get it.  I say take your chances.  If you are healthy, your body should protect you from it, and if you do get it, your immune system will fight it off.  I think everyone should get to choose what is right for them.  Why put things into our bodies when we don't have to? That's what I say.  

Marie I thank you for saying that.  and Kate- thanks for posting the topic.

This has been my question as well.  I was set on NOT getting it, and then one of the midwives from the midwife team I am using, highly recommends it, and started to get me nervous and scared.

My husband is against the flu shot.  But now both of us are wondering if I should get it.

I called a previous doctor who often shares my beliefs.  But all I heard back was a voicemail from his secretaty that says "yes, we recommend it".

So I dont know either.

Maybe someone has some well researched articles???

If you read the flu shot pamphlet that comes in the box with the Fluvirin vaccine it is not recommended for pregnant women unless clearly needed because "it is not known whether Fluvirin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproducing capacity" 

I have no idea how they deem "clearly needed" but I am not getting my flu shot once again this year and the hospital I work at has a corporate policy that states anyone not receiving their flu shot will have to wear a mask.  I cannot believe the push for this flu shot.  it is ridiculous but I will wear a mask again until March 31st.

I just want to second that comment about being around small children, ill people, or the elderly.  To that population, the flu can be fatal.  If you are going to be around them during the 5 month flu season, then I believe getting the flu shot is the responsible thing to do.  Just my opinion, and one that I know and appreciate is not shared by all.

Check out Dr Mercola's website, and the NVIC website for any information.  It is really up to you.

Hi, I decided against getting a flu shot after seeing "formaldehyde" listed as an ingredient.  Check it out for yourself, go right to the government website (I think it's flu.gov). 

Also check out Vaccine Epidemic, it is a book I read two months ago.  It was a real eye opener for me.  It was full of facts and figures, but lets you decide for yourself what is better.  To vaccinate or not to.  This year I also decided not to get the seasonal flu shot.  And I also think the push for the shot is totally out of hand.  I have never seen CVS employees wearing shirts saying "do not get the bug, get your shot" till this year.  Its all about the money!