Flu Shots are Here, Come One Come All

Photo credit  :Rodrigo Valladares

Well, flu season is right around the corner, but flu shots are here now.

In Minnesota, Walgreen’s and Cub Foods have been offering flu shots since August.  It’s a good thing, too. The fear of influenza vaccine shortages scared everyone last year. That part of Minnesota (Willmar) has seen a 3 percent rise in flu shots per year.

But is getting a yearly influenza vaccination really necessary?

Health official say yes, for some people more than for others. Generally, you should get an annual flu shot if you are:

·         More than 65 years old

·         A child who is more than 6-months but less than 5-years old

·         Anyone with a weakened immune system

·         Anyone with a chronic health condition, i.e. diabetes, asthma, etc.

·         Women who may be pregnant during flu season

But I never get a flu shot. (Thankfully, I’m also not in any of the above health-vulnerable groups). Since I seem to have a natural immunity to the flu, I’m afraid that getting a flu shot will make me susceptible to the illness in the future.

What about you? Do you ever get a flu shot? Do you think they are really necessary or is this just a bunch of hype? Do you plan to get a flu shot this year?